MODERN MARVEL

A home that helped paved the way for contemporary architecture in Preston Hollow

Story by Emily Toman | Photos by James Coreas

The stark, white walls enclose the home in such a way that begs drivers by to wonder what lies on the other side.

This style of contemporary architecture is nothing new for Dallas, but Janet Kafka’s house on Glendora was among the first to hit the scene 18 years ago, designed by local architect Lionel Morrison.

“There weren’t very many white boxes in Preston Hollow,” Kafka says.

In the case of her home, the idea involves a simple but striking contrast: complete privacy from the outside and complete openness on the inside. The house has no interior doors, except for one “moveable wall” that closes off the master bedroom.

“We’re modernists,” she says. “We knew this was exactly what we wanted.”

It’s a type of architecture typically seen in Spain — where Kafka derives much of her inspiration in life. Besides running her own marketing firm, she also serves as the Dallas area’s Honorary Consul of Spain, promoting its art, food and culture. She has played a large role in the growth of the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University, which houses the most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.

When Spanish guests — businesspeople, artists or dignitaries — visit Dallas, they stay in the Kafka home, which is ideal for entertaining.

The house itself is a compelling conversation-starter. The all-white interior presents an extensive art collection.

“The home is designed for art,” Kafka says. “Art and architecture are very important. They’re kind of hand-in-glove.”

Through the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, you can see the shadows of the trees cast on the white exterior, creating different shapes and patterns throughout the day, like a moveable canvas, Kafka says.

When she and her husband Terry built their home back in 1997, they were following the lead of the couple next door who had also engaged Morrison to design a modern white box.

Terry and Janet Kafka’s home on Glendora, designed by Lionel Morrison, is like a canvas. “The home is designed for art,” Janet says. The Kafkas have a rotating series of modern art paintings and sculptures on display through the house.

“They didn’t want their home to feel out of place,” Kafka says.

So, both homes were erected simultaneously on one-acre lots previously occupied by original ranch-style abodes.

Since then, other modern homes have sprouted up on the same short block, which dead ends at the Dallas North Tollway.

“Now it’s become a bastion of modern architecture.”

• Classic education

• Dedicated to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of children

• 3 years through 6th grade

• Half-day and full day Kindergarten options

Observation Dates: April 1 & 2

Highlander School 9120 Plano Road, Dallas, TX 75238 214-348-3220 www.highlanderschool.com

Since 1966 The Tradition Continues…

Build

Ages

Morning (9 am-noon) or afternoon (1-4 pm) sessions. June 8-12, June 15-19, July 13-17, July 20-24, 2015 and extended playing classes.

972-883-4899 utdallas.edu/chess james.stallings@utdallas.edu

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CLAIRE’S CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

8202 Boedeker Dr., / (214) 368-4047 / clairesdayschool.com At CCDS, we encourage a child’s sense of exploration and discovery in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. We offer a parent’s day out program with a play-based curriculum fostering socialization, motor skill development, and an introduction to academics for children aged 4mo – 3yrs. Our preschool for children aged 3-5 further develops these skills, along with a more focused approach to pre-math and prereading. At CCDS, we have developed our own science, math, and reading enrichment classes to ensure kindergarten preparedness for every child. We make learning fun!

Fusion Academy

Fusion Academy is a revolutionary, accredited private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. With one teacher and one student per classroom we personalize curriculum and teaching to students’ individual strengths and learning styles. Flexible scheduling allows students to enroll and take classes at times that work for them. Our campus includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, mixed media art studio, and a Homework Café® where students complete all homework before going home. Fusion students are all unique but have one thing in common: traditional school doesn’t work.

Highlander School

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www. highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander School offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. Small class sizes help teachers understand the individual learning styles of each student. Give us a call for more information.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep. org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

Spanish House

4411 Skillman 214-826-4410 / 5740 Prospect 214-826-6350 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

Spanish Immersion School serving ages

3 month - Adults. We offer nursery, preschool, elementary and adult programs at two Lakewood locations. Degreed, nativeSpanish speaking teachers in an “all-Spanish” immersion environment. Call for a tour today!

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

Ut Dallas Chess Camp

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2014 Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 8-12, June 15-19, July 13-17, July 20-24 and extended playing

69% of our 200,000+ readers with average income of $146,750 want more info about private schools. classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team PanAm Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

THE WINSTON SCHOOL

5707 Royal Lane Dallas, Tx 75229 / 214691-6950 / www.winston-school.org If your bright child struggles with things like Attention and Concentration, Executive Functioning and Dyslexia, The Winston School may be able to help. The Winston School has a robust academic program which prepares a student for college while at the same time developing the whole child. We understand bright children who learn differently and recognize their unique gifts and talents. Celebrating and validating these assets with our students enables them to discover who they are, and empowers them to be consistently successful. The Winston School brings hope for today and a road map for tomorrow.

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

Education

St. Monica Catholic School in February earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. To earn accreditation, schools must meet high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

St. Monica principal Philip Riley Jr. recieves the 2015 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association in a ceremony in Orlando April 7-9. The award is given to pastors, principals and teachers who have “demonstrated a strong Catholic educational philosophy as well as exceptional ability, dedication and results.”

The National Association of Bilingual Education named Withers Elementary School teacher Irma De La Guardia 2015 teacher of the year. Withers teaches third-grade; she was recruited in 2007 to develop the school’s duallanguage program. De La Guardia won the Texas Association of Bilingual Education competition last fall, which made her eligible for the national award.

AT&T Aspire granted $10,000 to W.T. White High School to prepare students for careers. The charitable arm of the communications giant will work with the school’s DECA program to provide students with speaking and presentation engagements, job shadow opportunities and field trips.

Publishing

Journalist Rena Pederson, a Preston Hollow resident, in February released a new book, “The Burma Spring: Aung San Suu Kyi and the New Struggle for the Soul of a Nation.” The book tells the story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle to bring democracy to Burma, with a forward by former First Lady Laura Bush.

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