Archives

1. Humboldt Lofts Penthouse

   To take full advantage of the spectacular view of the theater and existing terrace, the redesigned space integrates the terrace as part of the main living area. A new 12′ high x 15′ wide sliding glass door can be kept open during spring, summer, and fall, making the transition from interior to exterior seamless. A roof/ceiling plane made of perforated stainless steel visually connects inside and out and helps keep the kitchen cool during the summer months. Poorly defined, the wide open living space was not used to its full capacity. The new layout has clearly defined areas for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Custom-designed millwork highlights the fireplace, a focal point for the living area. An oversized couch can be easily reconfigured for a range of activities, from enjoying a book by the fire to throwing parties.

2. South Texas Ranch

   Located in southern Texas, this 20,000-acre ranch was once part of the famous King Ranch. For the reuse of this historic site, the client requested that the new buildings reflect the region, blend in with the existing aesthetic, and convey a sense of being 100 years old. The ranch now serves as a private hunting retreat. To support guests spending much of their time outdoors, the design integrates interior and exterior spaces and incorporates natural materials, such as Texas limestone, adobe, and mesquite, throughout. Traditional by-hand building practices include the use of chiseled stone, carved woodwork, and painted tile. Interiors reflect a Spanish colonial influence through details, ranging from the brick Boveda ceiling in the cantina to Fogon corner fireplaces and Banco adobe benches.

3. Bush Lake Kitchen

   This couple’s desire to reconfigure their dated kitchen created an opportunity to make it function better as the primary social space and heart of their home. Inefficiently laid out, the existing kitchen restricted the number of people who could cook, bake, and can together in it. To address this constraint, the design team created an expansive open environment by removing a wall adding on an underutilized office space and the existing kitchen. This expansion not only increased the size of the kitchen, but also created new possibilities for collaboration and social gathering. Other limitations to the existing kitchen included wall ovens that were too small for larger cookie sheets and other items; tired looking maple cabinets, trim, and floors; and a layout that provided only uninspired views within the house.

   The new kitchen includes a 16′ x 5-1/2′ island that provides ample workspace for three to four people to cook harmoniously together as well as for friends and family to gather around. Positioned strategically, the island invites views out the windows and glass doors to Bush Lake and the nature preserve beyond. To further bring the outside inside, the once-isolated three-season porch is now seamlessly connected to the rest of the house through a wide, four-panel glass door system. The new kitchen design also includes an efficient storage system, tailored to the couple’s specific needs, that ensures a clutter-free and organized environment where everything has its proper place. The reconfigured kitchen supports more entertaining, accommodating larger groups in the eating area. Allowing family and guests to be present in the kitchen without being intrusive, the kitchen fosters a sense of togetherness as a true hub of social interaction.

   MSR Design served as architect for the project, with Fontaine Designs, LLC, providing interior design services.