This modern urban dwelling was designed by Lake|Flato Architects, located in the historic Olmos Park neighborhood, of San Antonio, Texas. The two-story residence sits along a winding road that leads to a densely wooded site. The 4,600 square foot house is centered around mature Live Oaks with limestone walls serving as the garden backdrop.
A grand oak tree at the main courtyard provides a wondrous, sculptural form while providing shade and dappled light. Materials were carefully selected to preserve the integrity and character of the neighborhood and region. From the motor courtyard, guests are led by a stone path over a koi pond to the central courtyard and front entrance.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Lake Flato Architects LIGHTING CONSULTANT Dave Nelson & Associates LANDSCAPING CONSULTANT Studio Outside Landscape Architects METALWORK Cactus Max Fine Metal Artwork FLOORING CONTRACTOR Riverbed Concrete GENERAL CONTRACTOR Duecker Construction Company
Playing off of the low historic limestone walls bounding this tight corner lot, the house was conceived as a series of handcrafted stone buildings that define internal courtyards and create privacy at the edges, thereby allowing an open, floating glass-and-steel living pavilion at the heart of the site overlooking the magnificent oak tree court.
Guests pass through a large pivoting wood gate from the street while residents park in a carport; both continue up the covered walk of the oak court to the transparent glass entry link.
What We Love: This urban dwelling offers a fabulous indoor-outdoor living environment with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views to the outdoors. A clean, minimal landscape surrounding the home and the inviting koi pond add to the overall aesthetic of this incredible dwelling. We are especially loving the massive 300-year old oak tree in the courtyard, providing shade and unique sculptural form, greeting both residents and guests.
Tell Us: What aspects in the design of this San Antonio home did you find most intriguing and why in the Comments below. We love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the state of Texas: Step inside this surprisingly warm and inviting modern Texas home and A rustic homestead in Texas Hill Country showcases inviting details.
The kitchen opens into a secondary and more intimate courtyard with a small lap pool.
The bedrooms are set far back from the streets and tucked into the treetops on the second level, which are clad in lighter materials of copper and slatted wood.
The structure was cut into the sloping hillside, allowing the lower edge to spill onto the more level landscape below. The concrete used in this “retaining” structure is expressed throughout, most notably in the structural concrete barrel vaulted ceiling/floor that was formed from recycled oil barrels welded together.
Seamlessly integrated with its surrounding natural environment, the residence projects a modern yet timeless presence that honors the historic character of the neighborhood.
PHOTOGRAPHER Casey Dunn
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