ON THE BOARDS

HOUSE FOR A ZEN TEACHER

Designed to serve the needs of the Resident Teacher on the grounds of the Houston Zen Center, this 1,200 square foot residence provides private living spaces and gardens on a busy urban site. Planned for flexibility of use, the plan allows for a small suite of rooms just inside the front door to be isolated from living spaces by means of a large sliding door, to serve as space for student/teacher meetings. Articulation of the floor plan maximizes private views while optimizing solar orientation and allowing for the development of private gardens as outdoor rooms. The site will provide twenty parking spaces for Zen Center members and guests, and will additionally support a substantial vegetable garden, composting facilities, and a rainwater collection and storage system.

drawing of proposed home
sketch of building

Planned and constructed for sustainability, the house is currently on track for a LEED Silver certification from the U.S Green Building Council.