houston house & home magazine june 2011 issue
DESCRIPTION
The Complete Resource Magazine For Your HomeTRANSCRIPT
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contents
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On the CoverRM Brothers Custom Homes specializesin creating unique homes for families inThe Woodlands. Pledging quality andvalue, the custom builder strives tomaximize luxury amenities while deliver-ing the most value for the dollar.713.305.2100, www.rmbcustom.com.See page 16. 6458
departmentsEditor’s Note
Calendar
Before & After Small Space, Big ChangesCustom concrete surfaces add styleand drama to a tiny kitchen
Project Hurricane Preparedness Be aware of the risks and be sure yourhome and family protected
Pet of the Month: Bella
June 2011
featuresHere Comes the SunBeautiful ways to shield your roomsfrom the summer sun
Grilling GreatnessConquer the cookout with these experttips and trade secrets
Houston Modern Home TourPreviewA new showcase for modern architec-ture in our the city
Friends & Neighbors An inviting family home makes architectScott Ballard’s sixth project on one blockin the Upper Kirby District
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PUBLISHER......................Mike Harrison, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ....Susie Reisenbigler
EDITOR ........................................Sandra Cook
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ..............................
............Leigh Bell, Tricia Bentley, Anne Breux,
..................Shawn Gustafson, Joetta Moulden
ART DIRECTOR..........................Robert Coplin
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Tim Beeson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ..............
................................Janet Lenzen, Miro Dvorscak
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ................................
........Lisa Kindred, Tina Laplaca, David Marsh,
INSIDE SALES ................................Pete Rocha
PRINTING..........................DROR International
Blue Thumb Inc., dba Houston House &Home ("HH&H"), is a news magazine withemphasis on interior design and remodel-ing. HH&H does not knowingly accept falseor misleading advertising or editorial con-tent, nor does HH&H or its staff assumeresponsibility should such advertising or edi-torial content appear in any publication.
HH&H has not independently tested anyservices or products advertised herein andhas not verified claims made by its advertis-ers regarding those services or products.HH&H makes no warranties or representa-tions and assumes no liability for any claimsregarding those services or products orclaims made by advertisers. Readers areadvised to consult with the advertiser and/orother home repair and renovation profes-sionals regarding the suitability of an adver-tiser's products.
No reproduction is permitted withoutthe written consent of the Publisher.Copyright 2011, all rights reserved.Subscriptions available for home delivery ata cost of $25 per year.
editor’s note
H O U S T O N
For decades Houston’s gleamingdowntown skyline has beamedto the world our city’s modern,
innovative, forward-thinking attitude.Photo surveys of downtown, the TexasMedical Center and Uptown/Galleriaarea reveal a multitude of thoroughlymodern architecture.
By contrast, Houston’s residentialareas are largely tried-and-true tradi-tional. For the majority of homeown-ers in our area, the comforts of homerequire the comfort of the familiar.But Modern homes have made theirway into the residential landscape hereone-by-one since the architecturalmovement began.
Fortunately our city boasts a fewpockets of Mid-Century Modernarchitecture, such as Glenbrook Valleyand Memorial Bend, which feature alife-size, three-dimensional catalog ofthe early years of modern architecture.The past 50 years have witnessed anevolution of function and form to fitthe modern lifestyle in that moment.
This month brings the debut ofthe Houston Modern Home Tour,which showcases nine homes on June11. Presented by The Art Institute ofHouston, the tour was created to pro-mote progressive, responsible urbangrowth by featuring unique and mod-ern homes across central Houston thatwere envisioned by local architects anddesigners. The tour should make for afascinating Saturday for the mod-curi-ous. See our tour preview on p. 58
In our home feature this issue,architect Scott Ballard refers to aninformal home tour of sorts along hishome block of Colquitt Street, justwest of Greenbriar, where he has
designed six homes. Our Nov. 2008article on Ballard’s block showcasedthree of those homes. For this issuewe’ve featured John and LaurieLowery’s home, the latest homeBallard designed on the block, com-pleted in 2010. Architecture buffsoften cruise the block to marvel at thework of Ballard and other Houstonarchitects, including Bob McGheeRichard Fitzgerald. Read about theLowery’s home and this fascinatingblock on p. 64.
With all this talk of admiring beau-tiful homes, be sure to give your ownhome and family some love thismonth, as we enter Hurricane Season.Be sure you are aware of the very realrisks for our area. In addition to stock-ing up on supplies and securingimportant items, flood insurance isone thing you don’t want to be with-out if heavy rains bring rising water toyour doorstep. Consider these precau-tionary measures your proactive, pro-gressive and modern design for yourhurricane preparedness plan.
Sandra [email protected]
P.O. Box 701038Houston, Texas 77270-1038
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CLASSESHouston-area gardeners can expect a wide variety of gardening classes and unique events at TheArbor Gate in Tomball. This month, The Arbor Gate hosts a Tomato Contest & Book Signing with BillAdams Tom LeRoy on June 4. Winners for largest fruit and best tasting fruit will be selected in varioussize categories as well as best salsa (more details online). Tom is currently the Extension Agent forMontgomery County while Bill is a well known professional photographer and Extension Agent Emeritusfor Harris County. Together, they wrote Vegetable Gardening for the South.
On June 18, Laurie Humble teaches Create a Painting for Dad. Participants can learn watercolortechniques from this nationally known artist. Laurie is the author of the best-selling book, WatercolorDepth & Realism. Her watercolors have appeared in more than fifty national and International exhibi-tions. All supplies are provided, and participants take home their finished painting. Space is limited.Class fee is $65. Information: 281.351.8851or www.arborgate.com.
Nestled within Memorial Park, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center serves as both a serene retreat andeducation center. On June 19, The Arboretum’s Conservation Director Joe Blanton leads an informativelecture and tour about Invasive Plants of Houston. Learn about the environmental impact of invasivespecies on our environment and what can be done to protect our local eco-system from them. Cost is$35 for members; $45 for non-members.
On the evening of June 25, the Arboretum celebrates the summertime with its Summer SolsticeWine, Cheese & Bats event. This toast to the longest day of the year showcases the world’s batspecies and their habitats. Dr. Cullen Geiselman dispels common myths about bats and discusses theeight bat species found in the Houston area. The evening concludes with a ‘bat walk’ through theArboretum grounds to spot and observe bats using an ultrasonic bat detector. Ages 21 and up only.Cost is $30 for members; $45 for non-members.Information: 713.681.8433 or www.HoustonArboretum.org.
june calendar HOME TOURS & WALKING TOURSThe Houston Modern Home Tour will showcase nine architecturally progressive and contemporaryhomes throughout Houston on June 11. Presented by the Art Institute of Houston, the tour showcaseshow Houston is balancing city growth, while being both environmentally conscious and architecturallyprogressive. Following the tour, guests are invited to attend a cocktail reception and meet and greet witharchitects and designers at BMW West Houston from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 or $25the day of the tour. Information: http://houstonmodernhometour.com
Galveston Historical Foundation highlights the history of Galveston’s medical center with a June 18Architectural Walking Tour of UTMB’s Historic Buildings. Learn from local historians about historicarchitecture and the development of the neighborhood over the past 150 years. Tours last approximate-ly 90 minutes. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a cold beverage. Dogson leashes are allowed. Tour starts at 9 a.m. and is limited to 20 people. Tickets are $5 for GHF mem-bers, $7 for non-members. Information: 409.765.7834 or www.galvestonhistory.org.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIESHouston Museum of Contemporary Craft continues showingJoan Son—Part Geometry, Part Zen: A PersonalExploration through Paper through Aug. 13 (extendedfrom the original closing date). The artist focuses on thethemes of the elements found in nature—fire, water, earthand air. Known for her large-scale installations of origamibutterflies, Son has covered the walls of HCCC’s Artist Hallwith nearly 500 butterflies. In addition to this colorful installa-tion, the exhibit features sculptural and traditional artworksmade throughout the Houston artist's career. Information: 713.529.4848 or www.crafthouston.org. 4907 Valerie St. 8210 Hillcroft Ave.
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RM BROTHERS CUSTOM HOMES CREATES THE WOODLANDS DIGSTHAT FAMILIES LOVE TO COME HOME TO
FRIEND OF THE FAMILY
Sharing both a vision and a last name, fraternal entrepreneurs Robertand Roy Marsh of RM Brothers Custom Homes have set theirsights on two prestigious communities in The Woodlands and
unveiled a value-conscious portfolio of luxury homes perfectly suited to21st century market demands.
For countless Houstonians, a residence in the master-plannedWoodlands community provides the perfect pastoral retreat from congest-ed urban centers, with just enough sophistication to keep the most dis-criminating tastes appeased. With dozens of high—end retail and restau-rant operations, top-notch golf, tennis, and boating centers, a world classconcert venue, and proximity to Houston Intercontinental Airport, TheWoodlands offers recreational diversions like no other development inTexas.
And yet, the Marsh brothers would like you to spend more time athome.
“I am a family man,” says Robert Marsh, “and so is my brother Roy.We’re building homes that bring families together, with plenty of room torest, play, grow, learn, and love. We have a pretty good idea what they
want, because we know what our families want. And we’re not going tobuild a home that we wouldn’t want to live in.”
Custom home builder RM Brothers Custom Homes focuses on theCarlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside developments, two guard-gated Woodlands communities where the average home value exceeds$1,000,000. And while the current record sale price in these develop-ments tops $8,000,000, introductory offers from RM Brothers CustomHomes will include a 3,000-square-foot, one-story dwelling for $679,000and a 4500-square-foot, two-story residence for $895,000, both inCarlton Woods Creekside. An aggressive pricing strategy will enable RMBrothers Homes to offer completed homes for under $200 per squarefoot, inclusive of the lot.
“There are dozens of approved builders in this area,” notes RobertMarsh, “but the value we offer is unmatched. Without sacrificing theirlook, comfort, or functionality, every home we build here will have a claytile roof, a hand-laid brick paver driveway, solid wood garage doors, tank-less water heaters, and high efficiency HVAC systems. These homes willnot only cost less, they will cost less to maintain.”
( A D V E R T I S E M E N T )
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Noting that a project can be completed in aslittle as six months, Marsh says his productionand design efficiencies are a result of close com-munication between the RM Brothers team, thearchitect, and the buyer. His primary targets arefamilies with children and “empty nesters”, andhis floor plans are designed to appeal to thosewith growing families as well as those who needto downsize.
“It might seem contradictory,” observes Marsh,“but we’re equipped to build homes for both ofthese buyers. And best of all, the amenities of thearea can accommodate both them as well.
Generally speaking, guard-gated communitiesoffer reduced traffic flow and consequently a qui-eter, safer environment. In the case of theCarlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creeksidedevelopments, the country clubs which servethese areas feature kid-friendly facilities and recre-ational programs as well as separate spa andworkout facilities for adults.
Regardless of the size of the residing family orthe number of guests, the open, central designconcept of RM Brothers Custom Homes facili-tates interaction between family members whilestill providing ample space for quiet reflectionand solitude.
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For example, the family areas of the 4500-square-foot home flowtogether seamlessly so that the kitchen, breakfast nook, dining center, andliving area are all easily navigable and within view of each other. At thesame time, a circular staircase in the master bedroom—one of threeincluded in the floor plan—leads to a second story seating area that offersa private retreat for Mom and Dad.
A second story, open-air pavilion of approximately 900 square feet, pro-vides a covered recreational area for use during optimum or mildlyinclement weather—including a kitchenette, refrigerator, and wet bar—aswell as a view of the home’s center courtyard. In fact, virtually every com-ponent of the home opens onto the center courtyard, where a swimmingpool is an option.
And speaking of the center courtyard, RM Brothers Custom Homeshas embraced a growing consumer preference towards outdoor kitchens,
with a signature presentation that includes a grill, cooking burners, a pizzaoven, a dishwasher and a refrigerator. This addition by the forward-think-ing Marsh brothers will please seasoned chefs and weekend grillers alike.
An imaginative array of other areas designed for the enjoyment of theiroccupants includes lavish media rooms, opulent bathrooms, and even astylish lookout tower accessible by yet another circular staircase.
When asked if the Marsh brothers are prepared to handle every wishand whim of today’s home buyer, Robert Marsh is ready with an answer.
“Every home is made just the way the buyer wants it, and no two hous-es are the same,” says Marsh. “We can engage the buyer at any time dur-ing their home buying process and if they already own a lot, we can buildon their lot.”
RM Brothers Custom Homes has three projects currently under way,with plans to build approximately six homes per year.
“We’ll manage our growth carefully,” observes Marsh, “and our plan isto take on a small number of projects at any given time. Our team devotesa great deal of time to accurately estimating the budgetary requirements ofa home so that we can maximize the level of luxury features and give ourbuyers the most value for their dollar. Best of all, despite what you’ve heardin the news, financing is available from local and national institutions withwhom we have relationships.”
With a capable team and a pledge of quality and value, RM BrothersCustom Homes is preparing for a bright future and predicting that homebuyers will find this attractive Woodlands combination irresistible.
Contact builder directly at 713.305.2100, www rmbcustom.com.
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Loyal readers of Houston House & Home, Sheryl and RobEvans called me because they wanted to update their kitchenat minimal cost. They had stashed away a previous columnfor years, and when Sheryl got “stuck”, she immediatelypulled it out and called me. She liked the fact that I workwith what clients have instead of starting over, and feels I res-cued her in the color department.
“I didn’t want to make costly mistakes and did not want toover-build the neighborhood,” she explained. “We wanted atimeless, but modern and fresh look, with color and designchoices that would last,” Sheryl said. (See their living room,“Set in Stone,” January 2011, Houston House & Home,)
The townhouse has an open floor plan and the décorneeded to flow visually. Since Sheryl is a concrete expert(www.TheArtOfConcrete.com), we both wanted to use asmuch concrete as possible for the kitchen’s surfaces. I love
concrete, so it was just a matter of selecting colors for thecountertops and floor that would coordinate with the con-temporary, simple look the couple desired. One suggestionthat Sheryl and Rob struggled to embrace was the muddy flyash color I selected for the kitchen counters. “I truly thoughtyou had lost your mind. I mixed the fly ash with white andregular gray cement to get the present color. But you wereright—the color looks great in the townhouse with all theother colors and adjoining rooms’ fabrics,” Sheryl explained.
The walls were painted with flat latex Sherwin WilliamsBelievable Buff (SW 6120) and the kitchen cabinets are amix of Antique White (SW 6119) and Whole Wheat (SW6121) satin enamel—the colors above and below SherwinWilliams Believable Buff on the Sherwin Williams color strip.
To save funds, Sheryl did all the construction, tile and con-crete work herself. She worked with Carl at Shinco Sales in
before && after
Custom concrete floors and countertops add style and dramato a tiny kitchen BY JOETTA MOULDEN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET LENZEN
Small Space, Big Changes
before
AFTER: Added storage was achievedwith a shallow-depth cabinet that holdsspices, and an overhead wall shelf forcookbooks. The new hardware andstainless steel refrigerator, custom con-crete countertop and painted cabinetswith matching pulls dress up, but don’toverwhelm this small galley kitchen.
BEFORE: The narrow galley kitchenneeded storage, a cabinet-depth refrig-erator, new flooring, backsplash andcountertop to add functionality to thespace.
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TRADE SECRETS• Custom concrete countertops and scored stained concreteflooring offered a fresh new approach to kitchen design.
• Get creative. Customizing an existing trash compactor cabi-net for a pop-up laptop computer station and transforming anupper bar cabinet to hold a TV costs very little, yet improvesthe way your kitchen functions.
• Sparkling mosaic tile backsplashes can add function andbounce light around without taking up visual space.
• Sometimes the most effective strategy is not to addsquare footage to your house, but to first rethink the spaceunder roof that is already paid for.
AFTER: The custom concrete countertops include a bar counter, built-in
drainage to the under-mount, one-bowl stainless sink with a custom con-
crete overhang. These custom elements and the coordinating tile back-
splash dramatically changed the look and feel of this galley kitchen.
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com24
Joetta Moulden offers home makeovers using your own home furnishings. See more makeovers onher Web site at www.shelterstyle.com, e-mail her at [email protected] or call 713.461.2063.Appointments or referrals booked by May 31 will receive a 15 percent first meeting discount.Shelterstyle.com holds a "Pages of Happiness" rating and, for the fifth consecutive year, a “SuperService Award” presented to 5 percent of companies that achieve and maintain a superior rating onwww.angieslist.com.
before && after
RESOURCES
CONCRETE FLOORS & COUNTERTOPS:The Art of ConcreteTheArtOfConcrete.com
APPLIANCES: Shinco Sales in Webster281.461.4346, shincoappliance.net
GLASS TILE: cooltiles.com
SINK AND FAUCET: overstock.com
Webster, who specializes in new scratch-and-dentappliances, to purchase the professional seriesFrigidaire appliances. The stainless steel applianceslook terrific against the shiny black/coppery tones inthe scored concrete floor and the fly ash countertopswith custom dish drain channels using stainless steelrods in between the channels. Combined withbrushed nickel hardware from Home Depot (selectedto echo the curved handles on the Frigidaire appli-ances) and the coppery hue of the mosaic tile back-splash, (which she ordered from www.cooltiles.com inHotGlass - Aventurine Blended 3/4" Glass Tile,Tiger's Eye Blend) the contrast of materials reallyworks. The one-bowl stainless Ticor under-mountstainless sink and curved Kingston Brass “Concord”faucet came from www.overstock.com.
The couple turned the old space for a compactorinto a custom cabinet, which houses their laptop,complete with a pullout at the right height. Above thebar, Sheryl turned a cabinet into a hidden televisionnook. Since the small galley kitchen was so lacking instorage space, she built a recessed cabinet into the wallat the end of the room. It only sticks out two inchesfrom the wall, but the inside depth of 4-1/4 inches isperfect for canned goods, vinegars and spices, so itmaximizes space.
Sheryl says one of the things she loves about hernew budget kitchen is the dazzling view into and outof the kitchen. She loves the sparkle of the wine glass-es which hang in the pass through to the dining roomand the beautiful linear lines of the Italian Plexiglas icebucket on the bar counter and the way the texturesplay so beautifully against the stony quality of theconcrete. “Its translucent mass adds so much drama tothe large concrete bar. You influenced everything Ihave done from the moment I met you,” Sherylexplained, “and have given me ‘new eyes’ with which Inow see much more complex palettes and so manymore decorative options. We absolutely love the waythe kitchen turned out,” Sheryl concluded.
before
AFTER: The new Frigidaire stainless steel appliances, custom concrete countertop, mosaic tile backsplash, new hardware andcustom stained concrete flooring complement the colors of theadjoining dining/living area.
BEFORE: The kitchen needed appliances, countertop, backsplash,hardware and flooring that would coordinate with the colors of theadjoining dining/living area.
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com26
PLAN, PREPARE AND PROTECT YOUR FAMILY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE By TRICIA BENTLEY
THIS YEAR’S DRY SPELL WILL BE BROKEN
However, that could all change with one storm. June 1 marks theofficial start of the 2011 Hurricane Season, and Harris County residentsshould be prepared.
Jeff Lindner, the Harris County Flood Control District’s meteorolo-gist, said severe droughts in Texas tend to be broken by the landfall of atropical storm or hurricane. Once a drought becomes established in thespring or early summer, a tropical system is often the only weather systemstrong enough to upset the stagnant upper air pattern of a drought andbring significant rainfall, he said.
All residents should create and review family disaster preparednessplans, refresh and assemble hurricane preparedness kits, and keep a closewatch over the forecasted paths of tropical storms and hurricanes headedtoward the Gulf Coast region. But don’t forget one very important item:flood insurance.
Flash back 10 years ago this month: Harris County residents weretaken by surprise when Tropical Storm Allison dumped 35 inches of rainover Harris County in just five days. Nearly 65 percent of the area thatflooded was not in a mapped floodplain on the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs. As aresult, many of the 73,000 residences that flooded were not protectedwith flood insurance, as many believe if they do not live in a mappedfloodplain they do not need flood insurance.
The bayous and creeks are low, the ground is cracked and thegrass is brown. There is no denying that the Houston region isin the midst of one of the driest periods on record.
While FIRMs are good indicators of a structure’s risk of flooding from abayou or creek overflowing during certain rainfall events, they do not show allflooding risks. The maps do not show flooding that can occur from roadsideditches and underground storm sewers exceeding their capacity. Furthermore,while Harris County has more than 2,500 miles of bayous and creeks, onlyabout 1,300 miles have been studied. So, if a home is located near an unstud-ied channel, it may be located in a floodplain that has not yet been identified.In addition, FIRMs do not show flooding risks from storms greater than a 0.2percent (500-year) flood, such as Allison.
Just an inch of water inside a home or business can cause thousands of dol-lars in damages. Many who have experienced flooding in the past did not real-ize until too late that flood insurance was not included in their standard home-owners insurance policies.
Having flood insurance will not keep you from flooding, but it will helpyou recover. For more information on flooding and flood insurance, visit theNational Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov or the HarrisCounty Flood Control District at www.hcfcd.org.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT The Harris County Flood Control District builds projects that reduce floodingrisks and damages from bayous and creeks with appropriate regard for com-munity and natural values throughout Houston and Harris County. Withmore than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles inlength, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flooddamage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining its openchannel drainage infrastructure and stormwater detention basins. To learnmore about the Flood Control District, visit hcfcd.org.
Intense rainfall from Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 caused morethan $5 billion in damages in our area.
Houstonians were familiar with sights such as this in the days after TropicalStorm Allison in 2001 as rainfall amounts considered to be “off the charts”inundated a large portion of Harris County.
27
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TWO METEOROLOGISTS SPELL OUT THE FACTS AND RISKS FOR ALL HOUSTON-AREA RESIDENTS
No Hype: Hurricanes Happen Every Year
1. What can you say about this year’s hurricane season that will help arearesidents understand the risks and realities of living in this area? Every yearHoustonians should prepare for hurricane season. They also should prepare forthe threat of flooding year around. Every year floods cause damage somewherein the Houston area. We are flat and heavy rains can easily flood this area. Ifyou own a home in Houston, we encourage you to buy flood insurance.
2. Does living in the Houston area mean your area is always at risk for trop-ical storms? If you live any where along the Gulf Coast or East Coast of theU.S., you are at risk of experiencing a tropical storm or hurricane landfall eachseason. Also it does not take a tropical storm to cause flooding. A stalled tropi-cal depression or even training thunderstorms can cause flooding.
3. In addition to hurricane season, are severe tropical storms and floodingpossible all year round in our area? Flooding can happen any time of theyear. If you have strong thunderstorms that are moving very slowly or trainingacross the same area then you can have a lot of rain in a short period of time,which will cause flooding. We have had flooding events in all of the monthsof the year. Only flooding is possible all year round, tropical storms occur dur-ing hurricane season.
4. What factors in our climate make such extreme storms possible? Whydoes summertime bring the highest risk for tropical storms and hurricanes?Hurricane season is June1 to November 30. The season is during these
With hurricanes and flash floods as the biggest threats for natural disasters/extreme weather events in the Houston area, manyHoustonians—in spite of witnessing the dangers of such storms first-hand—grow complacent and fail to prepare ahead of time.Houston House & Home asked meteorologists Jill F. Hasling, President of Weather Research Center and Maureen Maiuri, ExecutiveDirector of The John C. Freeman Weather Museum at Weather Research Center to explain what residents should know about the veryreal threats of flooding and tropical storms in the Houston area.
months because of the warming sea surface temperatures of the Gulf ofMexico and tropical Atlantic. This creates an environment that can producetropical systems.
We need hurricanes to take the warm heat from the tropics up into thecolder latitudes. Also the tropical systems are the systems that bring themuch needed rain to break droughts.
5. Is there a chance that this year’s drought conditions will influence theseverity of storms this year?This year looks like it will be an active year for landfalling tropical cyclonesalong the U.S. coast. There is a 60% chance that we can have as many as 5tropical storms or hurricanes make landfall along the U.S. coast line. Let’shope the upper Texas Coast gets a weak tropical depression or storm, whichmoves quickly through but brings us some much needed rain.
6. Any additional comments or tips?Residents need to remember to always be prepared for a natural disaster andHouston’s most common natural disaster is flooding. To learn more abouthurricane preparedness, visit The Weather Museum June 6-11 and receive afree hurricane preparedness kit.
For more information, contact The Weather Museum, www.weathermuseum.org.5104 Caroline St., Houston, Texas 77004, 713.529.3076
29
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Be Prepared! Family Hurricane Preparedness ChecklistHOME & PROPERTY RECOVERY__ Flood Insurance – this is a separate policy since most home
owner’s insurance does not cover water or flood damage__ Fire extinguisher – small canister (ABC type)__ Work gloves__ Plastic sheeting__ Hammer and nails or construction stapler__ Duct tape__ Utility knife__ Pliers and/or wrench – to turn off gas and water, if needed
PERSONAL HEALTH & SAFETY__ Hurricane evacuation map__ First aid kit__ Prescription and over-the-counter medications__ Important telephone numbers__ Moist towelettes, soap and liquid detergent__ Important documents in a waterproof, portable container, such as:
birth, marriage and death certificates__ will, insurance policies, deeds, contracts, etc.__ passports, social security cards, immunizations records__ bank and credit account numbers and contact information
FOOD & WATER__ Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person (and pet) for 3 to 7 days – 2 quarts for drinking/two quarts for food preparation and cleaning__ Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days; include items like:__ non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices__ special food for infants and/or the elderly__ snack foods__ non-electric can opener__ camping stove__ cooking tools/fuel__ Matches in a waterproof container__ paper plates, plastic cups and utensils__ dog/cat food
CLOTHING & BEDDING__ Rain gear – including umbrella, rain coat/poncho and rain boots__ Sturdy shoes or work boots__ Clothing appropriate for wet and/or dirty conditions__ Blankets or sleeping bags
TOOLS & SUPPLIES__ Fully gassed vehicles__ Fuel for generator__ Area map – for locating shelters, if needed__ Cell phone with car charger or extra battery__ Cash or traveler’s checks__ Battery-powered flashlights or camping lanterns__ Battery-powered radio__ Batteries__ Books and games
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PP RR OO TT EE CC TT YY OO UU RR HH OO MM EE AA NN DD FF AA MM II LL YY FF RR OO MM SS UU MM MM EE RR RR AA YY SS WW II TT HH EE NN EE RR GG YY -- EE FF FF II CC II EE NN TT
WW II NN DD OO WW OO PP TT II OO NN SS TT HH AA TT OO FF FF EE RR BB OO TT HH BB EE AA UU TT YY AA NN DD FF UU NN CC TT II OO NN BY SHAWN GUSTAFSON
Here Comes the Sun We all know Houston is a hot spot for entertainment, shopping, sportsand the arts. But with average mid-summer temperature of 94 degrees,*sometimes our sizzling city feels a bit too hot to handle. Harmful ultravi-olet (UV) rays and intense heat can wreak havoc not only on your home’sinterior, but also on your personal comfort and pocketbook. So just howcan you savor the sun without getting burned? Following are tips ontoday’s top trends in attractive yet efficient window coverings that helpyou beat the heat once and for all.
FILM STARS
When it comes to taming utility costs, as well as the fading of floors,upholstery, drapery and fine art, the key is to stop heat before it enters thehouse, asserts Marc Koren, sales manager at Houston Window Film &Radiant Barrier. “Window film actually rejects the sun’s heat, whichmakes a huge difference in energy efficiency,” he says. “It makes a greatcomplement to any window treatment by acting as a barrier to filter outthe sun’s harmful rays.”
Honeycomb shades, such as Hunter Douglas LiteRise cordless shades, softly filter harsh light and insulate rooms from outdoor temperature extremes.
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project
Contrary to popular belief,research indicates that UVlight takes only about 40 per-cent of the blame for damageto a home’s interior. Visiblelight and heat each account foranother 25 percent, while var-ied factors make up 10 per-cent.** These stats call forwhat Koren calls a balancedattack. “Every window film wesell stops over 99 percent ofUV rays,” he says. Today’shigh-tech window films typi-cally run from $4 to $15 persquare foot, while offering tintand reflectivity options to suitthe most discriminating home-owner.
LEFT: Window films, suchas the Deco Tint collectionfrom Houston Window Filmand Radiant Barrier, canreduce heat and sun dam-age significantly.
37
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projectMADE IN THE SHADE
While many design expertsagree that window film isan excellent first line ofdefense against heat andglare, a world of other win-dow options awaits. KathyLancaster, owner ofWindow Magic, recom-mends such products asdouble-layer honeycombshades, which offer peakenergy efficiency in anarray of materials and col-ors. “This is a very popularproduct,” says Lancaster.“In the evening, you canopen them completely, andtheir slim ‘stack’ makesthem virtually invisible.”
LEFT: Fabric shades softenthe look of a room, as wellas diminish light and heat.
Hunter Douglas Greenscape Fabric shade. Serafina roman window shade by Pottery Barn.
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projectSolar roller shades are another cool choice, points
out Nancy Charbonneau, Allied Member ASID,owner of Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors and co-founder of Charpell Luxury Interiors. “We can addtrim to the bottom edge to make them beautiful for amore formal setting,” she says. Today’s newer patternsand styles make roller shades fitting in both modernand traditional settings, but for a more lush take, tryfabric roman shades, which add punch via an endlessarray of color choices and can be blackout-lined forenhanced efficiency and privacy.
CURTAIN CALL
Not surprisingly, designers love to team flair with function.“I’m a big fan of layering shades or shutters with drapes atthe window,” begins Mary Lindsey Wilson, ASID, of LiveBeautifully. With an eye to textural appeal, Wilson favorswoven-grass shades framed by elegant draperies for a high-end look. For added privacy and heat reduction in thebedroom and bath, she leans toward lined shades withtop-down/bottom-up operation.
Wilson, who once purchased a home whose originalwood floors had been badly damaged by the sun, believesthat today’s priority on protection at the window makessmart sense. “If you’re going through the expense of refin-ishing floors or buying costly draperies and fine rugs, youwant to guard that investment, as well as aim for efficientThese luxe drapes by Woodlands Fabrics and Interiors dramatically block light and heat
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projectcooling of your home,” she says.
Charbonneau concurs, and often relies on another dependable pair-ing to accomplish this goal: window film and dramatic drapes. “Iabsolutely love blackout functional draperies for their thermal protectionand great privacy,” she says. Thanks to custom-fabricated drapery tracks,these luxurious panels glide like a dream by wand, allowing for lovely,unobstructed views when open.
DRAWING ON DETAILS
Wrap up your window makeover with the latest in motorization technol-ogy, and with the click of a remote, your drapes or shades can slide effort-lessly open. Particularly handy for high windows in two-story entries orliving rooms, motorized control can be wired into smart home systems,and even programmed to open and close on a schedule.
No matter your preference, today’s hottest window fashions really canhelp you stay cool under the collar. Sums up Charbonneau: “In thiseconomy, saving money on heating and cooling is becoming more of apriority. Investing in thermal window coverings pays for itself in a fewyears.” Now that’s advice that should brighten any outlook.
* Source: The Weather Channel (www.weather.com)**Source: Houston Window Film & Radiant Barrier (www.houstonwindow-film.com)
LEFT: Hunter Douglas Powerise shades from The Frog At Home.
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Hunter Douglas offers a variety of energy-efficient window treatments, such astheir Pirouette line.
Credit WhereCredit Is DueAct fast, and you canactually earn a federaltax credit for installingenergy-efficient windowcoverings (in existinghomes only) before Dec.31, 2011. Qualifying prod-ucts, such as certain win-dow film installations,specified Hunter DouglasDuette Architella honey-comb shades and theComfortex ComforTrackinsulation system, canearn you a credit valuedat 10 percent of yourpurchase price, up to$500. Homeownersshould consult a taxadvisor to determine eligibility, as well as visit www.energystar.gov.
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CONQUER THE COOKOUT WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS AND TRADE SECRETS
Grilling GreatnessToday’s technology provides assistance from gadgets to gear to innovation.Still, in essence, grilling man (or woman) vs. nature.
HOT STUFF
“The single most important thing is a good digital thermometer,” saysKonrad Haskins, grand champion pitmaster out of Austin andfounder of The BBQ Institute, which holds classes throughout Texasand the nation.
“If you don’t know how to cook the meat, if you don’t have a tar-get temperature, all the seasonings and all the marinades in the worldare wasted.”
Duane Myers, general manager of C&D Hardware and experiencedgriller, agrees, but he’s “old-school” using a basic thermometer. Techiesmay opt for thermometers with a portable receiver that sounds when themeat reaches temperature, allowing the griller to mingle in the kitchenor elsewhere up to, on average, 100 feet from the grill itself.
“It’s like going to a restaurant and being paged for your table,”Myers says.
Remote-transmitter thermometers range in price of about $40 to $80or more for those with dual thermometers.
Dad. Outdoors. Food. Fire. Grilling recalls thebeginning of civilization. It’s innate in men (andwomen, too). It’s all about chasing down theperfectly grilled meal.
By LE IGH BELL
LEFT: Keep meatssavory and succulentwith a silicon bastingbrush. This cast-ironpot and brush set fromSur la Table allows youto prepare saucesright at the grill. Thebrush nests in the pothandle for storage.Photo courtesy of Surla Table.
A great grill, a few tools and some know-how can make your outdoor feasts phenomenal.
49
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com50
This Weber Summit S-470 Series Stainless Steel Gas Grill features 650 totalsquare inches of cooking area. Photo courtesy of Sur la Table.
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
Grab a spatula in one hand, tongs in the other. Buy good ones once, and neverworry about it again. Go with stainless steel and go heavy duty. Haskins sug-gests shopping at a restaurant supply house.
“Those are usually cheaper and much better quality than fancy ones youbuy in a retail store,” he says.
But sometimes a spatula just doesn’t cut it. We’ve heard the rumor thatmeat shouldn’t be pierced while grilling. It’s just that: a rumor. The BackyardWarrior’s Fork It Over ($13) lightly grabs the meat by its edge, flips it over andeasily comes out.
Silicon is the innovation of the moment with baking, but it rocks barbe-cue, too. Try a silicon basting brush to load up the meat with your marinade.Grill Friends makes an angled silicone brush for about $10. It’s heat resistantup to 500 degrees and dishwasher safe. Check out their silicone forks, too.
Dads, show your softer side and master the grilling of fruits and veggies.The calorie-conscious and vegetarians in your life will be thankful, but you’llalso impress the carnivores. For containment on the grate, get a good grill wokfor about $30. This keeps the veggies from falling and right over the heat, giv-ing them a great smoky flavor – try rosemary onions or ginger carrots. Thewok also works well for shrimp, scallops and stir-fries without a lot of oil. “If you’re not cooking vegetables and fruit on the grill, you’re missing out on awhole lot of fun,” Haskins says.
He has a little secret up his sleeve called 3BC: butter, brown sugar, bour-bon and cinnamon. It turns any grilled fruit into gourmet but works especiallywell with freshly grilled peaches or pineapples. Voila! Dessert. If you’re worriedabout a sticky grill, use a pan.
Recipes, technique, rubs, marinades, spices. These accessories are over-whelming. If you’re into cookbooks, check out How to Grill by Steven
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NOW THE FINEST GAS GRILL IN THE U.S.IS ALSO
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Professional equipment now on sale at theselocal dealers:
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com52
Raichlen or support local author Robb Walsh and buy his book Legends ofTexas Barbecue Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from the Pit Bosses onAmazon. If you prefer recipes on your handheld, visit Haskins online recipefave: www.virtualweberbullet.com.
Not as sexy, but also essential, are necessities to keep your grill and near-by surfaces tidy. The Grill Daddy cleaning device reduces that annoying“scrape, scrape, scrape.” About $20, Grill Daddy’s handle holds water thatstreams out while its stainless-steel brushes clean grime off a heated grill.“It’s almost like steam-cleaning for your grill,” Myers says.
BIG GRILLS DON’T CRY
If you’re gonna grill, we mean really grill, get ready to invest in a grill. Andwe mean a grill.
At Texas Pit Crafters in Pinehurst, where grills come with a lifetime war-ranty, owner Mike Logan says he rarely ever sells people their first grill. Mostalready dropped a few hundred on a grill that fell apart in a year or two.
But it’s not cheap. The base model is $1,400 and goes up from there. “You can buy a grill for about $400, and you’ll buy a couple of those
grills,” Logan says. “Our grills will still be chugging at the end of the day, soin the long run, you’re not saving that much.”
Duane Myers, general manager at C&D Hardware, is in love. He’s wonover by the Traeger grill, in which electricity heats wood pellets rather to per-form like a normal outdoor grill.
On the market only a couple of years, the Traeger cooks with very hotsmoke – not flame – so it’s hard to burn anything. Reputation saved.
Weber’s Time to Grill features more than 200 recipes for fast, yet flavorfulfare that won’t take all day to prepare.
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com54
AREA CLASSES OFFER SKILLS, SAMPLING AND RECIPES SUR LA TABLE996 West Gray, Houston713.533.0959
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GRILLMASTER 10118700 Carrot Street, Spring, Texas800.833.5998June 24 Texas Steak and Fixings with Konrad Haskins
Local Grilling Gurus
Handy grill woks allow you to grill shrimp, sliced vegetables, mushrooms andother tasty morsels without anything dropping through the grill grate. Photo courtesy of Sur la Table.
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com56
resourcesPITT’S & SPITT’S – grills & smokers281.987.3474
ATLANTIS POOLSCAPES – outdoor kitchens713.955.0722
TEXAS PIT CRAFTERS – smokers281.356.2168
C&D HARDWARE – grills & gear713.861.3551
CUNNINGHAM GAS – grills, gear & classes 281.376.5200
Many high-end charcoal grills, such as this Fire Magic Regal smoker grillhave hoods designed specifically for smoking meat (large air shutters onboth sides), and allow you to better control the air flow for slow cooking.Photos on this page courtesy of Cunningham Gas.
If you’veever thought Shutterswere too expensive –Think Again.In House Designoffers a full line ofWood and PolyShutters startingas low as $16.95per sq.ft.
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Houston’s Largest Selection of FRAMED MIRRORS, plusReady-Made Frames • Custom Framing • Quality Oil Paintings • Hand Carved Frames
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com58
Modern architecture is on the rise. In recent years, consumer interest in efficientdesign has grown. Beyond the bragging points, such as reduced environmentalimpact and lower utility bills compared to traditional homes, modern architecturehas an artistic quality. Many modern homes emphasize function and steer clear ofunnecessary detail, hence the iconic unadorned geometric shapes, most oftensquares and rectangles, with the occasional angled roof or round window includedas functional accents.
This month brings the debut of the HOUSTON MODERN HOME TOUR, whichshowcases nine homes on June 11 from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by The ArtInstitute of Houston, the tour was created to promote progressive, responsibleurban growth by featuring unique and modern homes designed by local architectsand designers.
“Like most American cities experiencing fast growth, many Houston architectshave brought sustainable, interesting architecture into the urban core.” says ModernHome Tours, LLC Co-Founder Matt Swinney. “This architecture represents someof the finest examples of what the great architects of our time are designing. We arethrilled to be able to showcase these urban concepts to a wider audience.”
For more information please visit http://houstonmodernhometour.com
THIS PAGE: 1212 HYDE PARK, COLLABORATIVE DESIGNWORKS
HOUSTON MODERN HOME TOUR DEBUTS JUNE 11
A MODERN IDEA
59
713.529.0890 • 1728 Sunset Blvd • [email protected]
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com60
THIS PAGE: 4907 VALERIE, TODD BLITZER, MIRADOR GROUP
HOUSTON MODERN HOME TOUR
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com62
HOUSTON MODERN HOME TOUR
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com64
An inviting Modern family home provides an eye-catchingendcap to an architect’s dream block
Friends &Neighbors
Story By SANDRA COOK Photos by MIRO DVORSCAK
Laurie and John Lowery moved into the Audubon Place neighborhoodseveral years ago from the Clear Lake area. Back then they moved intoto a smallish house designed by local architect and architecture professorGoeff Brune. The home was interesting, but per the previous owner’sspecifications, did not have much space for dining or entertaining, sothe house eventually felt restricted when family and friends were over.
Laurie and John had thought about adding onto the house, but laterspotted a corner lot that was for sale. The lot was slightly larger thanmost in the neighborhood at 50’x125’ and was sitting vacant after theprevious home had been removed. Laurie and John knew architect ScottBallard quite well from the Audubon Place neighborhood, so they
approached him about designing a house for the lot. You see, Scott Ballard is a popular guy on a certain block of Colquitt
Street in Audubon Place. He has designed six homes on that block. “It’samazing how good the people on this street have been to me,” saysBallard. (See sidebar p. 74.)
“He’s our neighbor—there’s really a big plus to that,” says Laurie.“For all of our meetings, I just walked down the street. We really hadfun in the process of designing the house—we did, especially with creat-ing the floor plans.”
An architect’s ability to listen to a client’s needs and translate theminto a design that works and fulfills the dreams of the client ultimately
ABOVE: John and Laurie Lowery’s striking modern home designed by architect Scott Ballard. OPPOSITE: The roof’s unique angles top off the 20-plus-foot ceilingsof the living room, where geometric light fixtures from Lighting Inc. provide a glowing focal point from inside and outside the home.
65
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com66
defines the architect’s career. “I’m always trying to do a different houseevery time, so I’m not trying to push a style on somebody,” says Ballard.“The client’s input is what makes it different each time.”
“I think that would be the challenge in designing a house for some-one, since everyone has their own ideas and for the architect to be able tomarry that input to solid design ideas,” says Laurie.
Ballard agrees. “True. You know you want to do a good job, but youdon’t want to be embarrassed by it,” says Ballard with a grin.
Neighborly ExchangeThe design process for the Lowerys home began during 2008 andconstruction started in January 2009. The Lowerys moved in thespring of 2010. Laurie and John approached Ballard with severaldesign goals in mind. They wanted an open floor plan with lots ofnatural light. They also wanted space for entertaining, as well as amplestorage. The entire family wanted a backyard pool and John, who runsa PR/Marketing firm by day, wanted his own studio space for hispainting.
“Scott had great ideas for the space and layout,” says Laurie. “Wehad some concerns with it being on the corner and the light, knowingwe wanted a very efficient house. With a corner lot one of the firstthings you think about is to face the house away from street, but herethat was west, towards the sun.”
“We ended up with the perfect marriage of everything that wewanted,” Laurie continues. “The house faces away from the street, butdoesn’t feel closed off and doesn’t have overexposure to west sun. Wehave adequate storage, the space for John to paint and just a greatentertaining space. It’s extremely easy to maintain and fun to havepeople over. Honestly, I could not be happier with how the housefunctions. I think that’s what Scott does very well is solve problems.”
“Most of the stuff I do is on these smaller, Montrose-type lots thatare 50 x 100 feet, this one happens to be 50 x 125 feet,” says Ballard.“Trying to do the most with the least amount of space keeps the planefficient, keeps the cost down. We did a lot for the amount of spacethat we had.”
“People comment all the time that the house is a nice size,” says
ABOVE: Laurie chose square shapes in solid colors for the living room furniture, include a pair of solid white Knoll chairs, a pair of bright orange ottomans. OPPOSITE: Much of the exterior is covered with Hardie Panels cut into rectangular sections and attached with stainless screws. Inspired by the former Catalan restau-rant on Washington Avenue, the bricks are actually clay tiles applied over stucco, so they are less bulky than brick, but equally warm and appealing.
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com68
Laurie. “And the spaces are well-proportioned—that gives it a nice feeland adds to the warmth.”
The main house is about 3,000 square feet, while the separate stu-dio space is around 800 square feet. Since the home has three levels,Ballard lined up closets on all three floors to accomodate an elevator ifever needed in the future.
In the nice open space under the stairs, built-in cabinets and deskspace provide a fun work area, shared by Laurie and 12-year-olddaughter, Charlotte. Laurie, who works part-time as event coordinatorfor a non-profit organization, adores the spectrum of aqua blues,turquoise, blue-greens and such. And daughter Charlotte agrees.
“There was some point during the process when I started outselecting all the colors and at first I was choosing a lot of mild colors,”says Laurie. “I was so careful with everything, but then I suddenly
realized I’m not building this house to sell it, I’m building it to live init! So then I went in different directions and we got all these crazy col-ors and started really having some fun. And I haven’t regretted any ofthat.”
Open Minded “It’s important to have some open space, so I always try to put a bigvolume into a house,” says Ballard. The living room features fabulous20-foot ceilings accented by the angles of the roofline and staircase,which is painted dark grey to contrast against the white walls. Theinviting room is furnished with a mix of simple shapes, solid colorsplayful prints. Boxy, solid pieces are punched up with just enoughgraphic prints to liven up the space without overwhelming the eye.
“I like neutral spaces with punches of color,” says Laurie. “And I
A contemporary light fixture hangs above the sturdy De La Espada table, found at Kuhl Linscomb. A small bar, located between the dining room and thekitchen, helps ease the flow for parties and gatherings.
69
like to play on different eras.” “This is definitely one of those houses where the owner has
improved upon my work and really made it better,” says Ballard. “Ilove seeing the light fixtures from the street.”
Outside: the Lines “I’ve been going through a period of using inverted roofs,” saysBallard. “So instead of the standard old gable, I’ve been turning thingsinward these days and figuring out a way for it to drain.”
For this house Ballard used double roof slopes, so rainwater drainsin two places (front and back of the house), providing an exciting ridefor the rainwater.
Laurie’s request for a banquette breakfast nook in the kitchen
resulted in the interesting 45-degree angled section on the exte-rior gives a nice accent to the home’s south wall. On the secondfloor the angled section accommodates Charlotte’s bathroomvanity area. Speaking of fun angles, the walls on the sides of thehouse tilt outward as they go up, so the ground floor takes upless of the yard, while the second floor has more generous spacethanks to the slant of the exterior walls.
“It’s great to do this type of project so close to home,because the framing process takes a lot of input from the archi-tect,” says Ballard. “If you can get a big volume with enoughglass that doesn’t face the west sun you can achieve a successfuldesign.”
“There’s nothing I would have done differently,” says Laurie.
Laurie designed the kitchen with the help of Gabriel Home Builders and their creative team of contractors. The custom walnut cabinetry adds homey warmth to thekitchen, while Benjamin Moore Luau Green on the island adds a fextive punch to the entire space. Laurie chose CaesarStone for the countertops.
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ABOVE: Grey-tones and neutrals provide a soothing palette for the master bedroom. The tangerine-colored lampshade and rug reflect Laurie’s penchant for theoccasional burst of color. BELOW: John’s painting studio functions as a man cave, and is an ideal haven for his late-night painting habit. The walls are outfitted withreclaimed wood and nostalgic signs for an icehouse feel.
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Laurie and daughter Charlotte share the airy office space below the stairs, where the walls are painted Sherwin Williams Lakeshore. The wall hanging is vintageMarimekko fabric stretched on a frame.
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com72
Upstairs, a basic pine tounge-and-groove 2x6” subfloor was stained and finished off for durability. The sturdy, wide planks warm the space, and fit nicely with the proportions of the house. Laurie bought the Spa Orangina print at a vintage poster gallery in New Orleans.
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From the third floor perch, the Lowerys enjoy views of rooftops and treetops of the Audubon Place neighborhood.From the third floor perch, the Lowerys enjoy views of rooftops and treetops of the Audubon Place neighborhood.
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com74
Over his 40-year career in architecture, Houston architect Scott Ballardhas designed dramatic and engaging structures, large and small. Hislarge-scale projects range from hospitals and university buildings, tohotels across the globe and the 45-story Putra World Trade Center inKuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designing hotels and office towers may soundexciting, but Ballard much prefers to design unique homes for individ-ual clients, which is why he has focused on residential design for thepast two decades.
Designing homes for clients energizes the architect and sets hiswheels in motion. Assembling a home, to Ballard, is a quest in creativeproblem solving. In fact, assembling is exactly right. Ballard beginseach design with three-dimensional models, often producing two orthree concepts for each client before any floor plans or drawings areput on paper.
Ballard’s approach has clearly been a hit on his own block ofColquitt St., just west of Greenbriar. Since designing and building hisown home there, Ballard has been asked to design contemporaryhomes for five other property owners on the street. James Thomas,FAIA, an architect and professor at the University of Houston GeraldHines School of Architecture, lives in one of the original 1930s homeson the street. Thomas often refers to the block as “Ballard’s Alley” andguides his architectural students on tours of the block each year.
“So far, I have done six houses on the block,” says Ballard. “Otherfolks have bought lots on our unique block and used their own archi-tects, which complement my collection of contemporary houses. Of24 houses on the block, eleven are newly designed by architects, andmost are commendable examples of good contemporary design.”
Ballard says he would love to design new homes for the rest of theblock, and actually offers discounted fees to neighbors. One morehome project has been discussed, but is not underway just yet,although he is currently designing a bay house for a neighbor.
“We have a very tight neighborhood group and I think most peo-ple feel a sense of belonging and community—maybe even part ofsomething cool,” says Ballard. “We get a parade of slow moving carson the weekends, so perhaps interesting houses are better than aspeed bump.”
Ballard’s office is on the ground floor of his own home, so when hemeets with prospective clients, he can walk them up the street andshow the interior of any of the houses they want to see. “All myclients have been very supportive of my little architectural practiceand do not hesitate to recommend me (at least when I am standingthere),” says Ballard with a laugh. “Also, I think the great diversity ofstyle shows prospective clients that I design for specific clients anddo not try to fit all my clients into the same stylistic box.”
Building Blocks of Contemporary Architecture
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RESOURCESBUILDER: GABRIEL HOME BUILDERS, INC.Jeannine Nuzzi & Brad Setera, 713.861.8613
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: ZONE 9 LANDSCAPINGSheila Elwell, 713.819.0466
POOL/SPA: CINCO POOLSAndy Spheeris, 281.579.1234
FENCE: HARRISON FENCE CO.Mike Harrison, 713.824.5962
TILE: LA NOVA TILE IMPORTERS, 713.796.9050
HVAC: PREMIER A/C AND HEATING, 281.682.0888
PLUMBING FIXTURES: SIERRA ELEMENTS, Sherri Mountain, 713.691.6977
PLUMBER: 24/7 PLUMBING CO., 281.391.2001
WINDOWS: RAM INDUSTRIES, INC., Jim Wendt, 281.495.9056
ROOF: PUNUM ROOFING, Tim Walsh, 713.466.4447
APPLIANCES: K&N BUILDER SALES, 713.868.3611
CABINETS: TORRES CABINETRY, Rafael Torres, 281.932.1413
LIGHT FIXTURES: LIGHTING INC., 713.623.6500
MEDIA ROOM DOORS: THE SLIDING DOOR COMPANY, 713.574.1296
house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com76
pet of the month
“HI, MY NAME IS BELLA. You may have seen me in the maga-zine last month and figured I would be adopted right away, but I wantyou to know I’m still here at the Houston SPCA waiting for you totake me home. I may look like a just a pup, but I’m a 3-year-oldChihuahua mix, so I’m the perfect size to sit in your lap, or go for awalk, or just about anywhere. I am be a little timid at first, but oncewe get to know each other, you’ll see I can be the sweetest little girl inthe world! C’mon down and let me show you in person.
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SUMMER SPECIAL: 10% Off St. Cecilia Installs
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We Do Windows..and Doors
Personalized Service at Affordable PricesCall Nelson Fisher for estimates, brochures or more details.
Prices gladly quoted by phone.
Texas Windows & Doors Inc.908 Town & Country Blvd. #120
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Replacement Window Specialist • Since 1985
BOUTROS CONSTRUCTIONA L L P H A S E S O F H O M E R E M O D E L I N G
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“Quality You Can Trust - One Call Does It All”Family Owned & Operated
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AZTEC HOME REMODELINGAZTEC HOME REMODELING
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house& home | June 2011 | house and home on l ine . com82
BATTERIES PLUS
If your lights go out or a hurricane hits, you will always find batteriesat Batteries Plus.2662 S Gessner Rd, Houston, 713.785.75874774 Beechnut St, Houston, 713.668.758710925 NW Freeway, Suite A, Houston, 713.688-.75873909 Richmond Avenue, Houston, 713.355.7587www.batteriesplus.com
Special Advertising Section
WIRED ELECTRICAL SERVICESWhen you turn on a light switchyou expect it to work. Whenyou’re without power, your wholelife is turned upside down. Thiscentrally located Houston businessprovides emergency services andgenerators that will keep the lightson and the refrigerator runningthrough even the longest poweroutages.
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***
* Rug Gallery store locations
“Your Perfect Rug Source”