Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap Editor-at-Large Shelby Hodge snoops through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.
5658 Terwilliger Way
Brother architects Chung Nguyen and Chuong Nguyen have been putting their mark on the Houston architectural landscape for a number of years — after first graduating from the University Houston College of Architecture and Design and then receiving master's degrees from Columbia and Yale, respectively. You will know their work from Triniti, Lemon Grass, and MF Sushi restaurants as well as Lily Rain in West University.
Their design/build partnership through their firms MC2 Architects and MC2 Construction follows their philosophy that design and construction are inseparable. With a number of custom residential projects under their belts, the brothers have launched into spec building. Their talents in the field can be viewed in this expansive single family home in the Galleria area.
What's inside: The two-story dwelling is luxuriously built on a 16,000 square foot lot, that allows for a gracious front yard and a large backyard, centered by a massive oak tree and framed by a lap pool. Throughout the house expanses of windows bring the outdoors in while ceiling heights, which range to as high as 20 feet, add to the open air feel.
The open floor plan both upstairs and down allows for five or six bedrooms, the number determined by the owner's preference — a study or an additional bedroom. For the record, there are six full baths and one half bath. The downstairs master bedroom, designed with a natural stone accent wall and fireplace, features a wall of windows that open to the backyard garden and overlook the lap pool. The trés modern master bath is spectacular not only for design but also for the use of star white glass.
The second floor includes bedrooms, a game room, utility room and a media room.
Appointments include Italian porcelain tile floors in the first level living areas, red oak wood floors in the master and throughout the second floor, designer Poliform cabinets and LED recessed lighting throughout. Clean and spare, the house exudes a creative 21st century vibe.
Square footage: 8,289 square feet.
Asking price: $2,579,000
Listing agent: Julia Wang with Nan & Co. Properties.
When commercial architects such as MC2 turn to home design, the results can be stunning.
