DESIGN JOURNEY A Home Conceived in Australia Comes to Fruition in Houston with Finesse from a Local Architect Article by Sandra Cook Photography by Benjamin Hill
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ouston residents John and Jennifer Warren were not always fans of contemporary architecture. Then, in 2012, they moved to Australia. During their three years of living down under, the Warrens discovered contemporary homes could embrace their natural surroundings, resulting in clean and orderly design infused with earthy vibes. “Contemporary architecture wasn’t as popular in the U.S. before we left for Australia, but it was very common there and we sort of fell in love with the contemporary style. We found they did it a bit warmer there,” says Jennifer. The Warrens lived in Perth and later Adelaide, both cities located on the coast. They appreciated how many contemporary homes were built to highlight the natural beauty of the scenery, especially views of the sea. Once they found out they would be moving back to Houston, the Warrens approached an Australian firm about designing their future home. Architect Alex Pritchard of The Galvin Group in Adelaide, Australia, created concept and design for their future home. And then, when they were back in Houston and ready to build, the Warrens presented their home’s design concept to Houston architect Greg Swedberg, AIA, of 2Scale Architects. After evaluating the design, Swedberg developed and executed the plan to make it a reality. Swedberg worked out necessities, such as placement of the HVAC systems, incorporating drainage aesthetically and adding key functions like a butler’s pantry. “We gave Galvin Group our criteria without being restrictive. We said we wanted a main-floor master bedroom, connection to the outdoors, open space, three bedrooms, threeplus baths and a theater room and really left the rest up to them,” says John.
62 house& home | October 2017 | www.houstonhouseandhome.net