Vassar Street Garden House

Preservation of an exceptional live oak tree was the generator for the Vassar Street Garden House, which takes inspiration from the neighborhood’s original raised bungalow homes with covered porches. Primary goals were promotion of health and happiness through a strong relationship with nature in a compound focused on outdoor living. With minimal footprint devoted to interior space, air conditioning use is minimized and space was preserved for pervious planting areas, porches, greenhouse and potting shed. Interior spaces all focus on the exterior, with adjacent covered porches allowing outdoor living in all weather. Primary materials are durable, locally produced Texas limestone and Galvalume roofing. Substantial elevation above grade on pier and beam foundation gives resilience to floods, and rain chains gently guide roof water to raised planting beds.