Jewell Box is a compact residence designed by Mell Lawrence Architects on W Gibson, TX. Developed in response to the client’s request for a secluded "cabin in the woods," the building sits between two large live oak trees and is oriented toward a creek and adjacent wooded parkland. The structure’s placement takes full advantage of natural shading from the oaks, contributing to a consistently shaded environment that shapes both the site experience and energy performance.
The street-facing elevation presents as a solid, modern volume, while its interior is defined by a double-height living and dining area that serves as the main communal zone. Service spaces, including the kitchen and bathrooms, are organized along a casework wall at the rear of the open-plan room, maximizing efficiency and spatial clarity. Above, a lofted bedroom overlooks the living space and is screened by a folded steel plate guardrail. A screened porch extends from the bedroom, integrating with the canopy of the neighboring live oak and highlighting a rustic modern approach to living within the landscape.
