StudioMET: Freedom to Build by Christina Gaona

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Modern Spaces, Practical Living
The Designs of Collaborative Designworks, Houston, Texas.

Space, light and materials are basic elements in any work of architecture, and with contemporary
architecture the blending of the three can create buildings of sleek forms and highly functional
design. Modern buildings and residential houses often are iconic and inspiring. Open spaces
and glass walls are common elements, but with the design comes a new set of problems.’

Those same open expansive spaces with huge glass walls can face similar houses putting
the residents into a fishbowl for their neighbors and putting basic human
needs such as privacy at a premium. It was that very problem that inspired
Houston architect James Evans and his firm, Collaborative Designworks,
to build The 505 townhomes.

Evans had been frustrated trying to find a townhome in Houston that had the
kind of natural light, expansiveness and clean design he wanted, with as much
privacy as possible in a townhouse arrangement. His design achieves that goal,
minimizing the common walls with other units in the structure and providing an
abundance of natural light without sacrificing privacy.

The 505 on West Alabama Street near downtown Houston won the American Institute
of Architects 2007 Housing Award. As well as being a striking design, the building has
an environmentally responsible footprint. It features natural cross-ventilation,
exceptional natural lighting, permeable ground coverings, stack-vented rain-screens
on the east and west facades, radiant barrier roofing, recycled/sustainable materials
and finishes, tank-less water heaters, and high-efficiency appliances and equipment.

Not only is the building with its four townhomes strikingly beautiful, it’s livable. In fact,
James Evans lives in one of the units. Though Evans has a strong background in the
theoretical aspects of architecture he is a strong believer in practicality.

“The practicality of architecture is what separates it from other fine arts.” Evans says,
“and living in the space really plays into the design.”

Collaborative Designworks other projects have similar sensibilities. Their residential
design for House 2045, overlooking the Rice University campus is another AIA award
winning home. Designed for a client who wanted a residence that could be both
functional for their retirement and spectacular in its appearance both inside and out.

The structure seems to float off the ground, with a wide glass wall that provides a
spectacular view of University Boulevard and the campus. The living areas are all
on the first level, including kitchen and master bedroom. Upstairs are guest rooms
and activities spaces for visitors, specifically grandchildren.

The glass wall can be covered with a hidden motorized shade that rolls down to
convert the window into what appears to be a solid wall. The house and its
open design provides a bright natural lighted space that is great for people
watching on University Boulevard.

Though residential work was never the primary focus of the firm, their experience
in commercial buildings has been an asset. Many of the materials and techniques
Evans has used in commercial designs fit well in the modern residential style his firm
is becoming known for. Look for more exciting projects for Contemporary
Designworks to enhance modern Houston area in the near future.

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more information: collaborativedesignworks.com