buchanan architecture completes sculptural corten steel residence in dallas

buchanan architecture completes sculptural corten steel residence in dallas
(above) street elevation at dusk
all images courtesy of buchanan architecture

‘casa linder’ is a 3,700 square foot single-family residence designed by buchanan architecture and located in a well-established east dallas neighborhood. informed by the owner’s fondness for reclaimed materials, and inspired by the historic architecture of the texas blackland prairie homestead vernacular, ‘casa linder’ embraces the architectural heritage of the earliest dallas settlers by blending the simple forms and materials of the original prairie dwellings with contemporary planning and crisp detailing. over time, the sculptural form will continue to patina as it nestles into the landscape of the neighborhood.

a sculptural composition of elements

the construction methods and materials for the building are simple and straightforward. the roof and exterior walls are clad in recycled, corrugated steel panels intended to patina to a rusty, weathered finish. at each of the south and north elevations, the walls are clad in reclaimed snow fencing planks. the exterior flashing details are tailored and precise. a gabion wall provides privacy to the pool area and gives texture to the composition of the front elevation. the interior finishes are modest, consistent, and neutral throughout.

private patio’s separate building functions 

the site is oriented on a perfect north-south axis and measures 50 feet in width and 220 feet in length. the one-story residence is placed on the west side of the property to maximize the use of the site and to provide a large outdoor space to the east. a four foot gridded geometry is used in plan and elevation to guide proportions and create ordered spaces.

public spaces open onto a secluded pool area 

the organization of the plan is conceived as a series of individual buildings linked together by a continuous hallway. this long, narrow configuration of spaces allows the building to stretch all the way from the front porch to the garage, an important convenience expressed in the owner’s’ program. outdoor patios are integrated into the plan in order to separate building functions. at the southern front door entry the patio is created as an indentation in the front façade and provides a covered porch to welcome guests and to enjoy interaction with the neighborhood, another specific request noted in the project program. a second outdoor patio separates the living/dining/kitchen area from the kid’s/study/powder/utility area. this patio serves as an extension of the kitchen for outdoor grilling and provides convenient powder room access for the pool and other outdoor areas. a third outdoor patio separates the kid’s/study/powder/utility area from the master suite. as requested by the owner, this patio is given exclusively to the master bedroom and provides a private and secure outdoor space filled with natural light. finally, an outdoor patio separates the master bathroom from the garage. here again, deference is given to the master bathroom which has translucent glass at the north elevation providing natural light and privacy to the bathroom and dressing areas.

a gabion wall adds texture to the composition of elements

in the living/dining/kitchen space a vaulted ceiling expresses the basic form of the building and exposes the structural rods held in tension. to the east, a large expanse of sliding glass doors opens to the pool area. a cantilevered awning provides protection from the elements and creates a comfortable outdoor area next to the pool. to the west, a long wall without any fenestration is intended for a growing collection of local artwork. this west wall extends the full length of the building and is designed to protect the residence from late afternoon heat gain.

‘casa linder’ is a simple, sculptural building composed as a sustainable, durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective family residence.

street elevation conceals the secrets beyond

a covered patio welcomes the neighborhood

a pivoting steel door creates access or privacy for the master suite 

a vaulted Living space looks out towards the pool 

morning light fills the living space

study model shows the sculptural simplicity of the design concept 

site / floor plan

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom