Collaborative designworks featured on modernhouston.net

Modern Spaces, Practical Living
The designs of Collaborative Designworks
by Hardy Haberman

Those same open expansive spaces with huge glass walls can face similar houses
putting the residents into a fishbowl for their neighbors and putting basic human
needs such as privacy at a premium. It was that very problem that inspired
Houston architect James Evans and his firm, Collaborative Designworks, to build
The 505 townhomes.

Evans had been frustrated trying to find a townhome in Houston that had the kind
of natural light, expansiveness and clean design he wanted, with as much
privacy as possible in a townhouse arrangement. His design achieves that goal,
minimizing the common walls with other units in the structure and providing an
abundance of natural light without sacrificing privacy.

The 505 on West Alabama Street near downtown Houston won the American
Institute of Architects 2007 Housing Award. As well as being a striking design, the
building has an environmentally responsible footprint. It features natural cross-
ventilation, exceptional natural lighting, permeable ground coverings, stack-
vented rain-screens on the east and west facades, radiant barrier roofing,
recycled/sustainable materials and finishes, tank-less water heaters, and high-
efficiency appliances and equipment.

Not only is the building with its four townhomes strikingly beautiful, it’s livable. In
fact, James Evans lives in one of the units. Though Evans has a strong background
in the theoretical aspects of architecture he is a strong believer in practicality.

“The practicality of architecture is what separates it from other fine arts.” Evans
says, “and living in the space really plays into the design.”

residential design for House 2045, overlooking the Rice University campus is another
AIA award winning home. Designed for a client who wanted a residence that
could be both functional for their retirement and spectacular in its appearance
both inside and out.

The structure seems to float off the ground, with a wide glass wall that provides a
spectacular view of University Boulevard and the campus. The living areas are all
on the first level, including kitchen and master bedroom. Upstairs are guest rooms
and activities spaces for visitors, specifically grandchildren.

The glass wall can be covered with a hidden motorized shade that rolls down its
open design provides a bright natural lighted space that is great for people
watching on University Boulevard.

Though residential work was never the primary focus of the firm, their experience in
commercial buildings has been an asset. Many of the materials and techniques
Evans has used in commercial designs fit well in the modern residential style his firm
is becoming known for. Look for more exciting projects from Collaborative
Designworks to enhance modern Houston area in the near future.