This sleek modern house enjoys beautiful views of White Rock Lake, but siting the pool in the front yard called for screening from passing joggers, bikers and cars. Designed by architect Robert W. Raymond, AIA, the house angles to gather breezes and respect existing trees. The extensive drainage system is designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, carrying water past the entrance and around the house in several streambeds lined with ornamental grasses.
This family desired a modern upgrade to add some personality to their home. A courtyard was added off the porch for a comfortable spot to relax outdoors. The old walkway was sloped and hazardous. It was replaced with sleek, concrete pads that lead right under a lightweight arbor. The old planting scheme was one-dimensional and without any variety or life. The new selection of plants add depth and texture to the landscape.
In addition to oaks, bald cypress and other large trees for shade, a mix of smaller ornamental trees and shrubs add color through the seasons. Possumhaws provide color and berries for the birds in winter, followed by the fragrant blooms of Mexican plum in the spring and bright yellow golden raintree blossoms in summer. Tall wax myrtle hedges love the old railroad drainage ditch, and Eastern red cedars and Arizona cypresses create screening on the high-and-dry west side.
Squint your eyes and you could be on a bike trail in Holland or Germany–the Katy Trail is one of Dallas’ most popular parks, even though it’s only about 30 feet wide!
