Texas Architect

The 505

PROJECT The 505, Houston
CLIENT The 505 Townhomes
ARCHITECT Collaborative Designworks
DESIGN TEAMJames M. Evans, AIA
CONTRACTOR Virkus Construction
CONSULTANTS Matrix Structural Engineers (structural); Marsh/Jalayer & Associates (civil)
PHOTOGRAPHER Aker/Zvoncovik Photography; G. Lyon Photography

The 505, a four-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 principles, enhance community sensibilities, and possess an architectural identity.

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.

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 oriented north-south rather than across to the adjacent units. The rotation in plan also creates opportunities for flexible yet defined internal volumes.

RESOURCES
unit pavers: Pavestone; siding: James Hardie; unit masonry wall assemblies: Southwest Concrete Products; pre-fabricated structural wood and glue-laminated timber: All Pan; pre-fabricated wood joints and trusses: American Truss; architectural woodwork: Ultracraft; waterproofing and dampproofing: Tyvek; metal roof tiles: Millennium Tiles; specialty doors: Pella; entrances and storefronts: Vistawall; metal windows: Ram Industries; glass: PPG; tile: Daltile, Caesar; granite: National Tile & Terrazzo; carpet: Interface