Houston, Texas
In collaboration with Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects, Hines Multifamily and Urban Oaks Builders, Jackson & Ryan created the exterior massing and elevation design development of this seven-story apartment project adjacent to the Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park in Houston's landmark Galleria/South Post Oak District. During the design development process, this project evolved from a five-level wood frame structure above a one-level concrete podium to a seven-level load-bearing metal stud structure.
Jackson & Ryan's design response derives from a reinterpretation of traditional residential terraces associated with urban parks in London and New York. The first two levels form a base for the seven-story mass and have framed balconies that enhance privacy at the street level. The third level residences have open terraces that face the park above the height of the live oak trees that define the park's edge.
The building mass was reduced and re-proportioned by introducing a hierarchy of vertical orders, including the utilization of enhanced cast stone elements, that celebrates and identifies the building's pedestrian and vehicular entries as well as the special corner units.
The cast stone elements contrast with the rhythm of rose-colored brick panels, recalling traditional urban residences.
The seventh level completes the composition with a unifying cornice.