Thinking Outside of the Box:
An Unusual Site Concept for an Unusual Lot
A square house for a square lot is the standard formula for houses in most neighborhoods, but what happens when a client’s lot is far from standard and far from square? That’s when RDDA gets creative and comes up with innovative solutions.
Such was the case for a client in Fort Worth–an avid TCU fan–who had acquired a lot in an older neighborhood near his beloved alma mater. (In fact, the lot was within walking distance to the Horned Frogs’ stadium.) Although the neighborhood was developed many years ago, this particular lot at the end of a cul de sac had remained undeveloped due to its unusual shape.
RDDA immediately saw the opportunity to develop an unusual site concept for this atypical lot. In fact, the shape of the lot provided the impetus–and necessity– to organize the house on the site in a creative and innovative way.
Richard Davis particularly enjoyed devising the intriguing choreography for the arrival and entry to the home. The Entry Court is prominently marked by a sentinel tower or “campanile” that highlights the Italian Mediterranean style of the house. Visitors proceed through the impressive gate into the Entry Court and then through the Entry Porch, to reach the front door.
The curved Entry Court wall is above eye level and follows the curved setback from the cul de sac paving. Upon entering the courtyard, one discovers an oval paving pattern, modeled on Michelangelo’s piazza for the Campidoglio in Rome. The oval faciltates an axis change toward the front door, which is in line with the long axis of the lot. The courtyard creates a landscaped outdoor room, defined on three sides by the house and on one side by the courtyard wall and entry gate. The courtyard is as important to the exterior layout and design of the home as it is to the interior orientation of the rooms.
True to the Mediterranean lifestyle reflected in the architectural style of the house, the Entry Hall and Dining Room both open out onto covered porches around the Entry Court, taking full advantage of the outdoor living areas.
At the back of the house, the Family Room and a downstairs Guest Bedroom open out onto a rear porch and patio respectively providing more outdoor living space.
The Hallway to the four Bedrooms upstairs offers views into the Entry Court. The Bedrooms are located on the rear yard side to take full advantage of the long vistas down the length of the backyard. Upstairs the center wing of the house houses a Bedroom Suite and Study and connects to a Playroom above the Garage.
The house, with its barrel tile roof, arched loggias, colored panels of stucco, and “campanile,” is inspired by Richard’s extensive travels in Italy.
RDDA works with contractors who provide preliminary cost estimates in the design phase so that clients have realistic pricing for their project. As a result, nearly all of the RDDA’s plans come to fruition. However, this particular house was not constructed. Nonetheless, it stands out in our minds for its innovative approach to the site and the creative design solutions that the site inspired.
To see more images of projects designed by RDDA, please visit our website.
Regards,
Richard Drummond Davis Architects