Hanneman House, Houston, TX (2003-2005)
Located south of Rice University’s main campus, the 2,400 sq. ft. house occupies a typical 50 by 100 foot city lot with street frontage to the north and alleyway access to the south. The house slopes from north to south, from two levels to a single level. This gradual decrease in mass toward the rear of the property allows more natural light to enter a small courtyard (facing southeast), where a swimming pool occupies center stage. A two-car garage that remained on the otherwise empty property has been restored and appropriated to have access to the alleyway. The ground floor comprises living, dining, kitchen, study and main bedroom, while the second floor contains two additional bedrooms and a small library. There is a generous use of natural light throughout each space while limiting or no exposure to the harsh west Houston sun. Although a small dwelling (in Houston present standards), the calibrated interplay of light and volume give the impression of a much larger house.
