We had a simple directive, to build a house that was simple, modern, and black. The clients were also clear that they wanted a house that was appropriate in scale, proportions, and rhythms of their 1920s Elizabeth neighborhood. We drew inspiration from the mangosteen—also called “the queen of the fruits”— to design this black on the outside, white on the inside home. It was also important to the client to meet the same price per square foot as the residences being built nearby. 

By focusing on eliminating first-floor visual barriers, the design team created clean views from the front porch all the way to the backyard. Details like the dark stained cedar and blackened steel provide a striking contrast to the spartan white interior. Adding to the dramatic effect, an oversized steel front door amplifies the threshold crossing experience. A single steel column supports a deep porch roof to contrast the tapered wood columns found elsewhere in adjacent homes and simultaneously maintain the “front porch neighborhood” feel.

Year Completed: 2014
Type of Build: New construction
BD, BA, SF: 4bd, 3ba, 3,200 SF

📷 : Patrick Cline / Michael Blevins