Spectacular Outdoor Living of Texas - A Collection of Fine Design

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SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR LIVING

A COLLECTION OF FINE DESIGN Jolie Carpenter

is an exquisite coffee-table book featuring stunning outdoor living spaces captured in bold photography. This collection of fine design will showcase the most talented design professionals and their most unique creations—from gorgeous pool houses and outdoor kitchens to lush gardens appointed with beautiful furniture.

Juan Miró & Miguel Rivera

has quietly created

his career, and its influence is evident in his work today. Further bolstering

projects that exemplify design excellence. As industry leaders and organizations

his knowledge in the architectural industry, Juan has lectured and published

began recognizing the talent of this relatively young firm, Miró Rivera Architects

extensively on the work of Miró Rivera Architects, the role of architects in civic

simultaneously received national and international acclaim. With more than 30

life and issues within Mexican architecture and architectural history. Together,

design awards including upward of 20 AIA design awards, firm principals Juan

Juan and Miguel approach architecture as an endeavor where the realms of

Miró, AIA, and Miguel Rivera, AIA, continue to pursue architecture with the

ideas, aesthetics and technology harmoniously intersect. They see their roles as

same passion and dedication. Born in Barcelona and educated at the School of

multifaceted: citizen, thinker, artist and builder.

Architecture of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Juan earned a Fulbright scholarship in 1989 to complete a post-professional master’s degree at Yale

ABOVE: The pool house takes advantage of the commanding canyon views while providing a

University in 1989. As a licensed architect in Spain, he worked on a wide range

destination for entertaining within the residents’ own backyard. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy

of projects with his father, architect Antonio Miró, as well as Fernando Higueras, Felix Candela and Santiago Calatrava. This valuable experience helped launch

FACING PAGE: Large sliding doors provide a generous indoor-outdoor connection. The barbecue area is elegantly incorporated into the design. Photograph by Paul Finkel

ABOVE LEFT: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular Hill Country views.

Photograph by Paul Finkel ABOVE RIGHT: The custom copper pivot door allows for grand entrances.

Photograph by Paul Finkel FACING PAGE: The negative-edge pool doubles as a relaxing waterfall, while deep overhangs

provide shade from the harsh Texas sun. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy

Dick Clark

created 150 homes in 1972 following the benefit concert

adds to its breadth of knowledge. Because of its stature and leadership in myriad

held by The Rolling Stones following the devastating Nicaragua earthquake. Only

commercial and private projects, the firm continues to expand its geographic

using $300,000 to work with he built each house at a mere $2,000 Though

boundaries, which reach from New Mexico and Colorado, throughout Texas and

basic in form and function, the homes provided protection from the sun and

east to Louisiana. From revitalizing the warehouse district of Austin, to proving a

invited breezes to keep the temperature as cool as possible. Designing with

dedication to renewable resources in earning Austin’s first Green Building Design

utmost regard for a site’s natural topography, the region’s climate and the local

Award, to creating thoughtful, site-specific residential projects, Dick Clark

culture—these were the most important lessons that Dick wanted to impart

Architecture clearly embraces a forward-thinking, holistic design philosophy.

to students in the exchange program he was running in Central America for The University of Tennessee. Whether designing in Texas or a foreign land, Dick

ABOVE: The pool house takes advantage of the commanding canyon views while providing a

believes in creating site-specific architecture that feels right on its site and in the

destination for entertaining within the residents’ own backyard. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy

greater locale. Residential architecture is definitely the firm’s heart and soul, but resort, restaurant, civic, boutique hotel, entertainment and condominium work

FACING PAGE: Large sliding doors provide a generous indoor-outdoor connection. The barbecue area is elegantly incorporated into the design. Photograph by Paul Finkel

aBoVe: clad in leuders limestone, the town lake estate includes a number of buildings

visually linked by a series of waterfalls. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy facing Page: the town lake residence enjoys Hill country views and glimpses of the

austin skyline. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy

left: clad in leuders limestone, the town lake estate includes a number of buildings visually

linked by a series of waterfalls. Photograph © Paul Bardagjy facing Page: the master shower space leads to a private second-floor terrace. Photographs by Paul Bardagjy

James d. laRue

was sneaking through houses as they were

savvy keeps him and the others on their toes, pressing them to learn the latest

being built, and it came as no surprise when he chose to attend texas a&M to

tools. Years of in-the-field experience have given Jim a unique appreciation for

earn a Bachelor of environmental design. His first job led him to gain experience

what it takes to not only design a house but also see it built successfully. this

with an architectural firm that focused mainly on non-residential projects.

sensitivity and mutual respect for their fellow craftsmen, paired with an innate

However, sensing that he wanted to apply his talents in a more personal,

ability to envision the uncreated, is just one of the many attributes that sets

client-driven design tactic, Jim then worked for a builder/architect and learned

James d. laRue, architecture design apart.

the design-build processes for the next five years. from there, he established James d. laRue, architecture design and 20 years later, Jim has an established architectural reputation across the state. through the years, the firm has seen its fair share of high school and college students soak in the world of residential architecture. While their technical and drawing knowledge might not be at the level of an experienced architect, Jim says the depth of their technological

aBoVe: this l-shaped home wraps a tennis court on the uphill side and overlooks a beautiful, heavily treed lot on the downhill side. Photograph by Coles Hairston facing Page: a tennis court overlook at the right connects to the upper balcony and game room. the lower-floor terrace connects to the multilevel swimming pool. Photograph by Tre Dunham

aBoVe left: a large timber beam cantilevers to protect the entry door that opens to the glassed living and dining spaces, which feature views of downtown austin. Photograph by Coles Hairston aBoVe RigHt: the cozy outdoor rotunda overlooks the texas state capitol building in

the distance. Photograph by Coles Hairston facing Page: a 65-foot lap pool wraps the outdoor living and starlight terrace of this hillside home. Photograph by Coles Hairston

Dallas

dan shipley

is known for his hands-on modernist approach to

leanings and obtaining a complete understanding of the site and the program,

design, but time and experience have taught him that trends come and go while

dan creates special places with each new home he designs. for more than a

the basics of good house design always remain. When a living space has well-

decade dan has enthusiastically produced homes that are a unique translation

proportioned rooms that facilitate a variety of furniture placements, when

of the interaction between client, architect and site.

fenestration patterns allow natural light to enter spaces from a multitude of directions and especially when operable windows provide natural ventilation, a

symbolic meaning—and ultimately define and translate exterior forms. skilled at

aBoVe left: large sliding glass doors and transoms give the master wing the quality of an outdoor camp. Photograph by Charles Davis Smith

working with a wide range of materials and budgets, dan sees each project as a

aBoVe RigHt: the interior fixtures are minimal and appropriate for the surrounding

new opportunity to create architecture that is both logical and unpredictable—

hardscrabble landscape. Photograph by Charles Davis Smith

preferring that his projects be thought of as places rather than buildings. By

facing Page: the metal-clad master wing is connected to the original house by an enclosed

walking alongside his clients, guiding them toward their specific aesthetic

ramped bridge. Photograph by Charles Davis Smith

home is truly successful. all the inner workings of a house should provide its

lambert’s

louisiana lays claim to some of the country’s most appealing

and undoubtedly elegant, a lambert’s garden reveals the intricate art form of garden

gardens—lush, intricate, and enchanting. so it only makes sense that the founders of

design. lambert’s remains committed to the single objective of improving the relationship

one of the country’s top residential landscape architecture firms hail from shreveport.

between its clients and their natural environment. in keeping with our commitment to

in 1934, brothers Joe and Henry lambert arrived in dallas to plant the city’s first

the environment, lambert’s has practiced organic gardening principles in all its services

azaleas for a local oilman, but the emerging town made a mark on the pair and they

since the late 1980s. With a staff of over 150 talented and experienced individuals, the

remained to expand their established practice to the area. today, 90 years after the

firm has been and continues to be recognized nationally as leaders in the renaissance of

company’s inception, lambert’s is still composed of the most dedicated and well-trained

great garden building.

landscape architects, horticulturalists, and production staff. led by landscape architect Paul fields, the firm creates respites reflecting the owners’ desires, the site’s needs, and the aesthetics of the home while demonstrating sensitivity to the environment through

aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard. Photograph by Casey Dunn

organic procedures. Whether it’s classic french, english country, or new orleansfacing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.

style, each garden is thoughtfully designed and deliberate in its purpose. Well-ordered

Photograph by Casey Dunn

Pool Quest

is a family owned and operated custom gunite pool

the cheapest way possible or the way our ancestors did 75 years ago, as may be

and spa company. Pool Quest was founded by Walter Meek. Walter Meek is

the case with other companies. instead, we first determine your needs and then

a native texan and a Professional engineer who is a graduate of texas a & M

design and engineer a product to meet your requirements. finally, we use only

University. Walter’s expansive knowledge and engineering expertise has been

the finest materials and craftsmen available. the result is a pool constructed

sought after by various large corporations, and his past projects include work on

without compromise to quality, utility or safety.

the Boeing 777, the lockheed Yf-22, and the Joint strike fighter. Just as times have changed, so has swimming pool technology and construction techniques.

aBoVe left: today’s pool experience should offer a fantasy element such as a lagoon-style design or a mountain lake paradise. Water walls offer the ultimate in swimming privacy. Photograph by Walter Meek, Pool-Quest

at Pool Quest, we have a full time, state registered professional engineer on aBoVe RigHt: We designed the pool to appear like a realistic body of water, a tropical

staff as well as a pool construction consultant. the net result is over 45 years of combined engineering and pool construction experience. it is resources like

paradise with visual and auditory impact. Hand-laid stonework, trickling waterfalls, tropical landscaping and a shallow beach combine to create an oasis in the city. Photograph by Steve Edmonds, Star-Telegram

these that make it possible for Pool Quest to design and build virtually any pool

facing Page: above: a backyard pool is more than a place to swim. it is an invitation to

that you, our customer, may imagine. We do not build pools by trial and error,

escape. our luxury pool designs consider many factors. How will the pool be used? Photograph courtesy of Fort Worth Magazine

aJ’s landscape & design

creates breathtaking

residential landscaping and design-build studio, beginning his journey to creating

outdoor spaces is the specialty of designer a.J. Benys, award-winning horticulturist-

some of Houston’s most beautiful private gardens with stunning hardscapes

artist. the hybrid designer studied horticulture at sam Houston state University

including garden rooms, courtyards and fountains, natural stone patios and

and went on to earn his second degree in landscape architecture from texas

swimming pools. today, a.J.’s consulting team is comprised of credentialed

a&M; this cross-pollination has proven to be an amazing formula for success.

landscape architects and designers, a seasoned installation crew and dedicated

even as a young boy a.J. displayed an artistic gift and love of nature. He created

staff who consistently demonstrate passion and creativity.

drawings, watercolors and oil paintings of trees and plants, an early indicator of his future passion and profession. after one college semester abroad, a.J.’s life was forever changed. the european experience with rich cultural roots and centuries-old history was fascinating. the high aesthetic of italian and french

aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard. Photograph by Casey Dunn

art and architecture, the countryside and formal gardens captured him in a way facing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.

that would later influence his own designs. in 1982 a.J. founded his namesake

Photograph by Casey Dunn

aBoVe & facing Page: Mature oaks shade the winding pathway that leads to an outdoor kitchen set further into the yard. We flanked the flagstone walk with kettle-style fire bowls on hand-laid stone pedestals for a dramatic nighttime atmosphere. our team is ultra sensitive to existing plant life when adding to an established landscape, and we work to preserve nature’s beauty wherever possible. We built a cabana house and cocktail pool situated just steps from the back door of the home for convenient access. natural stone areas and the walkway are edged with dwarf mondo grass to mesh with existing trees. Hardscape elements are important to the overall design of the courtyard space, but we softened the effect with western white clematis vines to create a lush urban retreat. Photographs by Blair Michener

allen Bianchi

is designing a custom residence, exploring the

and fixtures are also selected with room-to-room continuity in mind. ities from

possibilities of design through a speculative home or undertaking an avant-garde

Houston to los angeles have benefited from allen’s sense of style and ability to

commercial project, he is mindful to distill ideas, details and plans to their very

transform mere concepts into built structures. though the architectural scene is

essence. allen believes that the best designs are born of a cohesive approach,

strikingly different across the country, allen always knows right where to start:

so he much prefers to guide a project from site planning all the way through

an exploration of the regional vernacular. He never intends to reproduce it, only

design and construction. His creative process begins quietly as he considers the

to glean a touch of inspiration from it. allen prides himself on the uniqueness

site’s offerings and the occupants’ needs and then coalesces them into sketch

of each design, yet all of them have a universally appealing sculptural quality,

upon sketch of a project’s broad strokes. these sketches are collectively used

contemporary style and serene ambience.

as a springboard for discussion—people’s reactions fuel each stage of designing and planning. He has a bent for spaces that are separated yet feel open and

aBoVe: the minimal outdoor living room of sunset House contrasts with its lush surroundings. essex House integrates a horizontal gas fireplace with a low window. the clerestory floods the interior with light.

achieves the effect by offsetting rooms and changing levels, thereby creating

facing Page: the industrial materials of stratford House reflect the sky at dusk. a roof

an arrival experience with elements of surprise around every corner. finishes

terrace connects the house and detached studio. Photographs by Bianchi

craig McMahon

has set out to unite these fundamental

simply had to launch his own firm. He vowed to keep it small and accept only

notions in each of his residential undertakings, ensuring that plans are well-

the most special of commissions, and he has stayed true to those principles.

designed and then crafted, not merely constructed or installed. Most design

though working with residential clients is a privilege, he also enjoys occasional

professionals like to be involved in the full creative process. craig likes to be

speculative projects for the carte blanche creativity they afford. He and his

instrumentally involved. He has been known to trek out to prospective build sites

team agree that getting a project almost perfect is easy, but those last few

and clear them with his own two hands—and a chainsaw—for the opportunity

percentage points that separate great from absolutely perfect are attained only

to get to know the land more intimately. He has likewise designed furniture

through a cohesive approach, and it’s worth all the effort in the world.

and fixtures and had them custom fabricated simply because the perfect pieces were nowhere to be found. With bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior

aBoVe: the ranch guesthouse allows visitors to take in the beauty of texas Hill country. oriented to the meadow and the prevailing breeze, the guesthouse is integrally connected to the site.

design; more than a two decades of experience doing high-profile commercial projects for prominent firms in los angeles, chicago and san antonio; and too much entrepreneurial creativity to be pent up in a large organization, craig

facing Page: designed to nestle around the magnificent oak trees, the ranch compound is comprised of a variety of living zones. all of the common areas engage the outdoors, allowing exterior and interior to blend together. Photographs by Chris Cooper

left: located at the true front door of the ranch, the custom outdoor entertaining area

connects to the guesthouse and features a majestic view of the main courtyard. a naturally rusting cor-ten arbor leads visitors up to the main lodge. Photograph by Chris Cooper facing Page: the master suite engages the surroundings by becoming part of nature. open in all directions, the bedroom affords residents the opportunity to wake up to deer and cattle grazing in the meadow beyond. the gentle southeastern breeze moves through the room via lower clerestory windows while motorized upper windows expel the heat. Photograph by Chris Cooper

left: in the master bedroom, texas limestone walls enter gracefully from the exterior,

creating an instant connection to nature. the room is nestled into the landscape and affords privacy while engaging the wildlife. Photograph by Chris Cooper facing Page: centrally located on the site, the main lodge offers a one-room-wide experience. the prevailing southeastern breeze cools the interior during the warmer summer months. the texas Rumford fireplace is the central feature of the main living room, providing a place to relax after a big day on the ranch. Photograph by Chris Cooper

land design

the four essentials of life—water, fire, shelter, and

embraces simple beauty and back-to-basics pools and landscapes that once dotted

land—are basic foundations that award-winning designer Michael logsdon of land

the american backyard. He recognizes the importance of bringing back the timeless,

design transforms to create living art. as an associate of the american society of

straightforward classics to promote a van der Rohe minimalist, “less is more” philosophy,

landscape architects, one of the 32 leading pool designers worldwide to hold society

which is the inspiration for his vision today. Michael enjoys collaboration and encourages

of Watershape designers status from genesis 3 design group, and a certified Building

homeowners, designers, and architects to visit his studio and gallery.

Professional as designated by the association of Pool and spa Professionals, Michael was also recognized as Master of design in 2007 for his creative vision by Pool & spa news. Michael’s philosophy on creating outdoor living spaces transforms the basic backyard into the favorite “room” of the home. Whether designing a traditional swimming vessel, european-influenced biologically filtered pool, outdoor structures, kitchens, water and fire

aBoVe: large, well-placed doors and windows forge a strong relationship between interior spaces and the landscaped courtyard. Photograph by Casey Dunn

features, or xeric landscapes, he designs with one approach in mind: water recreated… facing Page: the sculptural fireplace enhances the trellised seating area’s intimate ambience.

green reconsidered. influenced by california landscape architect thomas church, Michael

Photograph by Casey Dunn