“In my experience, the architect-led design-build process is more streamlined than the traditional design, bid, build process — at every decision that needs to be made during construction, the author of the design is present. Likewise, at every decision that is made during the design process, the builder, who is aware of costs and construction feasibility, is also present because the architect is the builder. The creation of this home was a collaborative effort between the owners and myself, including the interior design. I had the opportunity to teach interior design at Texas State University for six years. As an architect, my design efforts are equally focused on the form, color, texture and light of the interior and exterior spaces and specifically how they work together,” explained Pax.
His methodology really shines through in this charming one-story home that is gracefully situated on a secluded wooded property, surrounded by clusters of live oak trees, just west of San Marcos.
The intentional focal point of this entire home is the courtyard and the orientation of the pool and pool deck to maximize sunlight and create a seamless indoor and outdoor environment, ideal for sunbathing and entertaining. The 26-foot-wide sliding glass door by Western Window Systems that opens up to the courtyard helps accomplish the savvy transition from the interior to the exterior living space.
The pool deck, planter wall and refined landscaping were designed and installed by Lush GreenScape Design. With its mid-century glam, including the requisite palm tree, you can almost imagine lounging by this pool in the Hollywood Hills during its golden age, if you’re inclined to daydream.
The homeowners also prioritized the use and quality of indirect natural lighting in the interior spaces as well as sustainability features that include daylighting and solar orientation, rainwater harvesting and filtration for potable use and water-wise landscape planting. “One of the most unique sustainability features is that the sole source of water for the house is rainwater collection,” Pax noted. Even in Central Texas, rainwater collection is an effective method, which requires calculating the size of the roof and tank needed to accommodate the size of the household and average rainfall expected in the area.
Other sustainability features in this home include high performance windows and doors, building insulation, HVAC system, a dehumidification system (a necessary addition due to the large sliding glass doors) and tankless/on demand water heaters.
Overall, the home really exemplifies Pax’s own sense of style. “If left to my own devices, I lean towards simple, modern lines, and I think this house really has that,” he said. “I am a fan of the large windows, too, whether they have a wooded view, courtyard view or distance view. Many of my projects have hilltop views, but this house is nestled in the woods, so you have the courtyard on one side and woods on the other. It is beautiful.”
Chagnon Architecture
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