Sunil and Shalizeh “Shelly” Patel knew they would build a home tailored for their family when they moved to Houston in 2005. The two medical professionals live with their daughters and Shelly’s parents, and they wanted a design that would encourage coming together while respecting everyone’s space. They waited, saved, and researched the local architecture scene to identify firms that might be a good fit.

Eventually, Shelly convinced Sunil to take a look at an existing property in the enclave of Spring Valley. The house, a 1950s ranch, was badly dated, but it sat on a corner lot shaded by two large oak trees—the perfect setting for a new build. “I’d always told her I wanted a lot with trees,” says Sunil. Previously they’d admired a newly built home a few doors down and had inquired about the architect. The answer was StudioMET, a firm specializing in design-build residential work. Serendipitously, it was one of the offices they’d been tracking.

With the site now in place, the couple hired the firm, and the StudioMET team, led by architects Shawn Gottschalk and Scott Magnuson, got to work on a plan that would accommodate several generations living under one roof.

On the first floor, a generous entrance foyer, flanked by a mudroom and exercise room, buffers the home from the street, while the living/dining area and kitchen open to the backyard, the patio, and a new pool. Most of the materials from the original ranch were donated to Habitat for Humanity, but some bricks were saved and recycled into a wall in the living room. The designers placed the bedrooms and smaller gathering places for the couple and their children on the upper level, while including a bedroom and bath for Shelly’s parents downstairs.

Views throughout the house focus on the oaks, with openings designed to look through the branches. In the morning, low eastern light warms the couple’s bedroom, and a deck overlooking the pool provides a contemplative retreat.

When the girls come home from school, they practice violin downstairs or do homework in their rooms. At night, the entire family shares dinner. Then, says Sunil, “come the end of the evening, the dishes are done, the trash is out, and we go upstairs to hang out with the girls, while Mom and Dad stay downstairs and do their thing.” The family feels that much closer because everyone has their own space.

Project Credits:

Architect: StudioMET Architects

Construction: Modern Concept Construction 713-255-0008

Engineer: Vatani Consulting Engineers