Architecture News Plus (ANP) – Architecture and Design Magazine

The 505

This is a project by Collaborative Designworks and it is located at Houston, Texas, United States. Project's program: Four townhouses. There are eleven images for The 505.

: © Joe Aker, Aker/Zvoncovic Photography

Project details

Project name: The 505
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Program: Four townhouses
Area: Site area: 9,410 sf • Built-up area: 2,850 sf (per unit)
Year: Completion: 2006
Project by: Collaborative Designworks
Team: Principal designer: James M Evans
Others: Contractor: Virkus Construction

Project images

Designer's statement

The 505, a 4-Unit townhouse development, sits near Houston’s rejuvenated downtown. The Architect spearheaded the project as an experimental design exercise that works within the economic and market constraints of a speculative housing development. The 505 sought to be financially successful and to make responsible use of land, incorporate sustainable design principals, enhance community sensibilities, and possess an Architectural identity.

The property is eligible to hold 5-Units, but only 4 were built in order to leave space for yards and to reduce the amount of shared walls thereby allowing more windows. The window placement is carefully refined to provide views and an abundance of natural light without sacrificing privacy. Third floor roof decks located between units engender a sense of community while providing an outdoor buffer between living spaces. Natural cross-ventilation, exceptional day-lighting, permeable ground coverings, stack-vented rain-screens on the East & West façades, radiant barrier roofing, recycled / sustainable materials & finishes, tank-less water heaters, and high efficiency appliances & equipment all combine to give the project an environmentally responsible footprint.

The unique form is a simple box that has been activated by a single shift made in plan. This shift allows for more windows in the envelope underneath overhangs that are oriented North/South rather than across to the adjacent units. The rotation in plan creates opportunities for flexible yet defined internal volumes that play dual roles: Kitchen millwork vs. wet bar | breakfast table vs. entertainment center | food prep area vs. dining service space.