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    AIA Home Tour

    Step inside a Memorial dream home where the koi roam: Architects love this oilman's style

    Joel Luks
    Oct 25, 2012 | 4:20 pm
    Step inside a Memorial dream home where the koi roam: Architects love this oilman's style
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    "Custom" and "customizable" may stem from the same linguistic root, but when it comes to how these labels are thrown around in residential construction lingo, the terms might as well mean couture and off-the-discount-rack.

    That's particularly true in Houston where production builders rule master-planned communities. To increase perceived value, the builder may talk about the many "custom" options offered. In that milieu, it's the ability to choose between a pre-engineered design, slap on one of the many facades, append flexible spaces, finish out attics, attach additional garage bays, and then choose from one of a handful of granite countertops, tile flooring colors, hardwoods, decorative details, fixtures, paint, stains and so on.

    "I wasn't sure if I was going to kill my builder or my wife," Patrick King laughs. "Somebody was going to go."

    Selections depend on vendor relationships and what's trending on the market. As long as homeowners stick with the available options, they "can have any color as long as it's black," as Henry Ford remarked back in 1909 about his cars.

    As custom building relates to the true spirit of the practice, it's having the freedom to drift with imagination — reined in by practicality, of course. And as it pertains to the American Institute of Architects, custom is when architects design for a specific parcel of land for an individual client's lifestyle.

    The AIA Houston Home Tour, set for Saturday and Sunday, opens the doors to eight properties that evince synergistic relationships between draftsmen and homeowners. The homes range in square footage, starting at 2,500 square feet to upwards of 15,000 square feet. The residences aren't for sale — they are on view to highlight what such collaborations can yield.

    "When architects from other countries come to Houston, they are surprised that in American homes the amenities are top notch. But the structure itself, the container, is not up to par with what we put into the house."

    Meet the King family

    Patrick King is an amicable oil and gas industry professional who has moved 16 times during the course of his career, with his wife Erica. The empty nesters had landed in Houston two times prior.

    He jokes that in the energy sector, as in Rome, "all roads do cross in Houston."

    The couple aspired for the modern, away from the stucco, clay tiled-roof Mediterranean flair often found in higher end neighborhoods. They partnered with MC2 Architects to erect a one-of-a-kind, 6,000 square foot pad at 8730 Memorial Dr. that reflects their own sense of style.

    "You dream for years and years," Erica King tells CultureMap. "We collected photos from magazines, we went on this (AIA) tour previously and amassed ideas from that. The tour was a great opportunity to meet architects and people who could provide the resources to build this. In the end, it's an expression of what we wanted."

    MC2 Architects, founded by Vietnam-born brothers Chung and Chuong Nguyen, designs and builds their projects. Both men graduated from the University of Houston, then pursued masters degrees from Columbia University and Yale University respectively. As their given names are similar, their sister referred to them endearingly as "C squared" — thus the name of the company.

    The challenge for MC2 Architects was to build something very permanent, a feature that was of great importance for the Kings.

    8730 Memorial Dr.

    "When architects from other countries come to Houston, they are surprised that in American homes the amenities are top notch," Chung Nguyen says. "We have the best appliances and plumbing fixtures, for example. But the structure itself, the container, is not up to par with what we put into the house. The bones are not as strong — or valuable."

    To achieve strength, they found inspiration in tilt wall construction, an American World War I invention to fabricate partitions for target practice.

    To achieve that strength, they found inspiration in tilt wall construction, an American World War I invention to fabricate partitions for target practice. Today, tilt construction is used for commercial warehouses. For residential projects, the technique is underutilized.

    "This home is our investigation with tilt wall construction," Chung Nguyen continues. "The structure is very permanent; it doesn't bounce like wood; it doesn't move; it's very low maintenance. I expect it to be standing for more than 100 years.

    "We introduced the clients to this construction system, and elevated it to achieve sophistication in design."

    The home is mostly glass, concrete and steel, and is aligned with a trend in consumers demanding green components. The blueprint moves beyond adding energy efficient features, like solar panels, to also consider passive solar design. Windows are limited on the west side of the home to avoid the hot afternoon sun. An outdoor corridor is akin to a modern version of a Texas dogtrot house's breezeway, one that allows for the free flow of wind to cool off al fresco areas.

    "All these elements came from the investigation of Texas vernacular architecture, then applied in a modern way," Chung Nguyen says.

    Rusty Bienvenue, executive director of AIA Houston, has observed a movement toward clean lines, open spaces and glass, partly due to technological advances that enable architects to design living spaces that bring the outside into the home without the symptom of astronomical cooling expenses.

    "The biggest misconception about Houston architecture is that hiring an architect is too expensive for most people," Bienvenue says. "That's really not the case. An architect can help you keep your house, or any building, within budget and help keep the energy costs down in the long run.

    "You don't have to add to the bottom line of the house that you are building just because you have an architect involved."

    "An architect can help you keep your house, or any building, within budget and help keep the energy costs down in the long run."

    The design

    Patrick King loves fish, both in saltwater aquariums and in exterior water systems. The built-in aquarium, designed by Aquarium Design Group, is connected to a utility room dedicated to the upkeep of the tanks. A long, rectangular pond was installed adjacent to the expansive, 25-foot high ceilings main gathering area. Panels of continuous butted glass render an unobstructed view of a bubbling fountain, enhanced with colorful water lilies that contrast the graphite-colored stone flooring.

    "A lot of times in Houston, it's a bit too warm to sit outside and watch your koi," Patrick King explains. "By moving the pond right next to the house, you can sit inside in the air conditioning and enjoy them."

    Erica King dreamed of a swimming pool — it's how she keeps her sanity in humid months — and MC2 sketched a long lap pool next to a double-height contemporary outdoor kitchen overlaid with glass tile and outfitted with a television and an outdoor shower. From the master wing, she can contemplate her Zen-like oasis.

    The Bulthaup kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances from Kuhl-Linscomb. The stainless steel electrics are complemented by Nano white glass countertops along the walls and a slab of exotic Bianco Antico Brazilian granite in the island, also from Kuhl-Linscomb. Much of the flooring is natural. That includes limestone planks from Thorntree Slate & Marble.

    Lessons learned

    Custom means decisions. And though the Kings say that this is by far their favorite home, they aren't prepared to go through this process again anytime soon. The end product has become the place where their grown children and family visit for get togethers and holidays.

    It's often said that if a marriage can survive true custom building, it can thrive through any challenge.

    "I wasn't sure if I was going to kill my builder or my wife," Patrick King laughs. "Somebody was going to go."

    "It turned out great," Erica added jokingly "We survived."

    ___

    The AIA Houston Home Tour is on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for bike riders and $10 for entry to a single house.

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    like a rock

    10 premium European stone brands arrive in Houston for the first time

    Emily Cotton
    May 16, 2025 | 2:28 pm
    Portugal Marble staircase
    Photo courtesy of Portugal Marble
    Portuguese marble is also an option for timeless elegance

    Eight Italians, a Dane, and a man from Portugal walk into Houston. No, this is not the beginning of a promising joke — far from it. For three days, a delegation of 10 European natural stone companies made the rounds to some of Houston’s top design firms, showcasing gorgeous products that have (mostly) only been available to the European market, until now. Read on for the exclusive details on which old-quarry brands will soon be popping up all over the city.

    Excitement mounts as this new age of Maximalism calls for everything these natural stone lines have to offer. From colorful pastel marbles to dramatically contrasting slabs, bold basalts, imaginative Venetian terrazzos, and timeless marble cladding options — nothing was overlooked. Yachts and aircraft aren’t left out either, with a line of lightweight aluminum honeycomb-backed stones. There is even something for the eco-conscious, with a LEED-certified product making the list of brands to finally land stateside.

    The mission was organized by Veronafiere Spa, which is also the organizer of Marmo+Mac — renowned as the world’s leading international trade fair for the natural stone industry.

    “The Chamber was proud to partner locally with Veronafiere to coordinate all the events and meetings held in Houston on May 5, 6, and 7,” Francesca Bacci, business development manager at the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas, tells CultureMap. “The main goal of the mission was to create opportunities for manufacturers to connect with top-tier industry professionals, fostering networking and business development in the strategic U.S. market.”

    Design and architecture firms Gensler, Perkins & Will, HOK, Jacobs, Intexture-Aura, Rottet Studio, and Nina Magon Design were all stops along the delegation’s tour, as well as Thorntree Slate at the Houston Design Center and the Amodo European Collection showroom at the Decorative Center. AIA Houston hosted a credit panel at their headquarters, and BeDesign hosted a luncheon with special guest and design powerhouse Abel Design Group. Houstonians with interest in these newly-available product lines will certainly know where to look.

    Without further ado, here are the ten Marmo+Mac WeSpeakStone Delegation’s European brands that are now available in Houston:

    Basaltite Guidotti Battaglini Srl
    La Basaltite is a medium-grey stone with crystals of leucite immersed in a microcrystalline structure, derived from the hardening of lava in the eruption centre of Bolsena – Bagnoregio.

    Pierangelo Umena of Basaltite shares that: “Houston and Texas can be a good market for our stone, Basaltite, because it is a natural grey stone extracted and processed exclusively at our facilities in Italy with an elegant and minimalistic neutral grey tone in great combination with white and any other colour or material.

    Cancian Pavimenti
    This legacy Venetian terrazzo brand dates back to 1840. The only LEED-certified brand on the list, this lightweight, nearly zero waste product is definitely one to watch. With numerous weight and backing options, this product can be made to suit both airplanes and yachts.

    Alina Klak, who represents Cancian Pavimenti through Marble Büro, had this to say about expanding to Houston: “As the second fastest-growing city in the nation, Houston is a dynamic and promising market for Marble Büro’s traditional Italian terrazzo.With a surge in high-end residential and commercial developments, there’s growing demand for unique, durable, and customizable surfaces. Marble Büro—representing a third-generation terrazzo company with nearly a century of family experience—brings an authentic piece of Italy to Houston, offering genuine Italian precast terrazzo tiles crafted with artisanal time-honored techniques and tailored to meet the vision of today’s architects and designers.”

    Domos
    Based in Verona’s Stone District, Domos develops marble and natural stone products. “Marble is a source of inspiration for us, and design is form, it’s function,” a representative tells CultureMap.

    Elite Stone
    Perfect for those who appreciate dramatic, yet timeless, design statements, these marbles are perfect for book-matched, full-slab installations; this is the stone for clients who enjoy striking contrasts and bold veining.

    “Houston gave me the impression of a city that unveils its charm gradually—like a well-kept secret,” sales manager Davide Sandini says. “Its true beauty isn’t loud or fleeting, but lasting and deeply appreciated by those who live there. The locals radiate pride in their surroundings, and that quiet sophistication makes Houston the perfect setting for our timeless, luxurious Italian marbles.”

    Fauske Marble by Moser Aps
    Based in Denmark, this sustainably-minded fourth generation company produces exquisite arctic marbles in colors like pinks and purples, plus many more.

    Grassi Pietre Srl
    Founded in 1850, this Nanto, Italy-based company touts its ability to combine “artisanal know-how with the most modern technologies available for stone processing and production.”

    Marcolini Marmi Spa
    The brand is known for its adherence to Italian taste and tradition in the areas of marble, granite, onyx, and stone.

    Moca Stone SA
    Marcelo Costa believes their warm, creamy marbles are a perfect fit for Houston: "Our natural stone materials, extracted from our own quarries and produced in our own facilities, are distinguished by their uniqueness, elegance, and luxurious appeal, making them a perfect fit for high-end residential and commercial projects across the city," a representative says.

    Porfido Trentino - Cave Famiglia Pisetta
    Thanks to a location in the middle of the Alto Adige's porphyry platform, the company offers a very large variety of porphyry products such as the cubes, irregular slabs, and tiles with split sides. In addition, it stocks other, more sophisticated materials such as steps-to-stone stairs, as well as materials with polished and flamed surfaces which are specially indicated for indoor floorings and coverings.

    R.E.D. Graniti Spa
    This exquisite marble cladding company offers monument quality stonework built to last for generations.

    With all these exciting options, Houston’s top designers and architects undoubtedly have big plans for the new products. Time will tell how they enhance design in the Bayou City for many years to come.

    Portugal Marble staircase
      

    Photo courtesy of Portugal Marble

    Portuguese marble is also an option for timeless elegance

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