Bridge House

Located in an established Houston neighborhood, the Bridge House resides on a two-acre property distinguished by its serene natural landscaping with mature, tall pines and overlooks a private ravine, a tributary to the Buffalo Bayou. Built on the site of the original homestead for the neighborhood, the former house compound was long referred to as the “Bridge House”, based on a driving bridge that bisected the ravine. The new Bridge House establishes a spacious, double-height living space extending into the landscape in place of the driving bridge, and the insertion of new bridges throughout both exterior and interior are inspired by the original icon.

The house is designed to be sophisticated and sustainable, surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment, a place of respite from the city. This primary residential compound accommodates activities for both family gathering and entertaining for guests. The house’s footprint was well-suited for ideal solar orientation and positioned parallel to the ravine to best appreciate this natural landscape feature.

The play of heavy and light elements combined with dark and bright materials throughout the house presents an interesting composition for both exterior and interior experiences. From the outset of the project, the clients expressed the desire that the house has a feel of “New York meets Houston”, seeking to build an elegant, sleek, streamlined contemporary home that felt bright and crisp while prioritizing sustainability, health and efficiency.