Waco Residence

by McKinney York Architects

Clever siting, judicious use of windows, and spare detailing distinguish this deceptively simple house. By stacking the house onto two floors and positioning it off-center to the site, a variety of outdoor spaces are created which let in balanced light and provide private views. Glassy expanses in opposite corners of the house allow light to flow diagonally through the space. Further strategic moves blur the line between inside and out. The floating wood ceiling of the living room juts out into the landscape forming a porch. Likewise, the exterior burnished CMU slips inside, subtly emphasizing blocks of overlapping space. These unexpected details highlight the practical but unconventional use of space.