In 2014, the architect-owners left their cherished mid-century studio apartment—originally designed by Harwell Hamilton Harris—in pursuit of a home better suited to their growing family. Leveraging their deep knowledge of the neighborhood, they acquired an unusually wide lot, which they then subdivided with a neighboring owner into two narrow parcels.

The north lot presented both challenges and opportunities. Protected Live Oak trees, along with zoning setbacks and parking requirements, dictated a compact footprint. The resulting design takes the form of a vertically clad wood volume housing four bedrooms above a more flexible, open-plan ground floor wrapped in mill-finished steel panels.

Guided by a commitment to compact, efficient living, the home is deeply attuned to its natural surroundings and enriched by subtle textures and carefully considered details.