The project goal was to downsize, creating a simple one-story aging-in-place house that will feel welcoming to guests and family.

The property is located within Houston’s Timbergrove neighborhood, featuring large lots with single-story 1950’s -1960’sranch houses. The homeowner wanted to update and modernize the house while still maintaining a ranch house feel.

The renovated 2,500 SF house was stripped of its Spanish Colonial detailing. The existing brick was left unpainted, rooting the house to a specific time-period, and providing a contrast to the modern interiors.

Existing rear wings of the house were extended, one to create a rear entry, the other to add a a primary bedroom suite.

Common to ranch houses are low ceilings, small defined rooms, and limited daylighting. To achieve an open living area, interior walls were removed, and the roof was vaulted. Indirect north light is added through clerestory windows. The existing roof upper ridge line is maintained by subtracting volume below the clerestory window, maintaining the ranch house feel.

A new microcement finish was installed over the existing slab. Coved uplighting, common to 1950’s houses, is featured in living area.

The existing exterior garage was salvaged, keeping one bay for car parking, with the other bay being converted into an exterior porch directly off a new swimming pool. A new breezeway connects the house to the garage/porch.