StudioMet principal architect and partner Shawn Gottschalk carefully creates the ultimate outdoor oasis for his whole family to enjoy.

The central courtyard and covered patio seamlessly connect the main home with the guesthouse.

THE PROJECT

Allow us to introduce the graftHAUS: a 4,000-square foot midcentury manse designed by studioMET principal architect and partner Shawn Gottschalk for his own family. No strangers to Houston’s real estate scene, Shawn and his wife, Rachel, revel in creating new spaces together. In fact, this Hilshire Village house marks Shawn’s third custom home he has designed and built for his family. “Over the years, these personal projects have allowed continued exploring, experimenting and experiencing the architecture created while refining the firm’s design-build process,” he says. “Each project is unique and aligns with the place in our lives my wife and I were during the time period for each project.” This go-around, he embarked on an impressive journey to blend an open-concept residence fit for him and his wife, two kids and a new puppy with a functional guesthouse for the grandparent’s extended stays.

Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the foyer, brilliantly blending modern design details with the home’s idyllic surroundings.

THE PRIORITY

“Like many of our projects, we wanted a modern home that was inviting, warm and comfortable for everyday living while incorporating regionally appropriate design elements,” he says. “We like the open concept layout with a strong connection to the outdoors.” Initially, the couple wanted to wipe the slate clean—curating a home far different from their previous two properties—but, following rigorous exploration, they found themselves drawn to a smorgasbord of well-loved aspects from their past homes.

“We had to abandon the idea of something completely different and new,” Shawn explains. “We were trying too hard. We stayed true to what we knew and loved—and then we made them better.” When designing the property’s layout, a simple guesthouse with maximum livability was also top of mind for the family. “We needed a bit more space primarily for a guesthouse with a separate entrance for grandparents to enjoy extended stays with the grandkids while still having their own sense of place as a retreat from the day-to-day chaos that comes with young active kiddos.”

Employing the family’s signature brand of laid-back luxury, the living room beckons with its neutral color palette, touchable textures and opulent furnishings.

THE DETAILS

Here, clean lines and bold geometric designs complement masterfully executed architecture and landscape design. In nearly every room, hues of green from the surrounding landscape peek through the windows, while a neutral color palette softens the home. “Expansive walls of glass blur the boundaries between the interior space and exterior while providing an abundance of natural light,” he says. “The earth tone brick was detailed to transition seamlessly from the exterior to the interior, and custom built-ins throughout the house are functional and add warmth to the space.” Of course, we can’t talk about the design without mentioning the apparent influence of traditional Japanese architecture. “Guests enter the home through a series of spaces at the side of a minimalist façade,” he explains. “A front gate leads you to an entry courtyard, giving you a glimpse of the home and central courtyard. Once inside the house, one’s spatial experience is fragmented by strategic massing and space planning, which affords each space to feel as its own but still part of the whole.”

As for the amenities? While the indoor library, home office and expansive family room certainly do the trick, it’s the outdoor aspects that steal the show. “The backyard is focused on a large rectangular pool with simple landscaping allowing for flexible kids’ play, and the raised hot tub presents a visual break for a defined artificial turf space toward the rear of the property.” To top it off, the large covered patio is the perfect spot to dine and lounge throughout the year—and acts as a grand transition between the home and guesthouse.

The Pop-Art-inspired LEGO wall adds a splash of color to the foyer

THE CHALLENGES

“During the entire design phase, we focused a lot of attention on maximizing the utility of space and not overbuilding. We did not need or want a large home,” he explains. “At the same time, we were balancing the trend for the market in this area for resale down the road.” The open concept layout beckons with a keen sense of discovery and precise definition of space—effortlessly flowing from room to room. He adds, “We also kept the first and second-floor compact with very little wasted circulation space. The second-floor family room serves as the main artery to secondary bedrooms and other spaces throughout.”

Separating the living and kitchen areas, the dining room features a minimalist design—spotlighting a grand all-wood table.

THE OUTCOME

Just as impressive as its advanced layout and luxe amenities are the home’s exquisite interiors and preservation-minded design. “We created a timeless family home defined by simple, bold geometry and strong horizontal lines with a nod to midcentury modernism.” From the floor-to-ceiling windows to personality-packed hidden gems, Gottschalk’s signature style comes into play in the most cohesive of ways to create a striking abode where opulence and functionality seamlessly blend together. Some of his favorite spaces include the custom LEGOS wall, the combined library and home office and the serene central courtyard and pool area in the summertime.

The library showcases a built-in bookshelf and ample space to work and relax

“Combining the library and home office for efficiency of space allowed an opportunity to create a unique space that would be used daily,” says Gottschalk.

DESIGN DETAILS

TYPE
Single-family home

LOCATION
Hilshire Village

ARCHITECTURE
studioMET
studiomet.com

BUILDER
Modern Concept Construction (affiliate of studioMET)
studiomet.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
studioMET
studiomet.com

RESOURCES

SHERWIN WILLIAMS
Paint throughout
sherwin-williams.com

LIGHT
Various light fixtures
thelightcompany.net

BLU DOT
Sofas, beds, office furniture and patio furniture
bludot.com

RESTORATION HARDWARE
Patio and living room furniture
rh.com

HERMAN MILLER
Office and living room furniture
hermanmiller.com

WEST ELM
Living room rug and tables
westelm.com

FOUR HANDS
Living room seating
fourhands.com

SEGRETO FINISHES
Kitchen backsplash
segretofinishes.com