Project: Barrera House
Architecture: Cotton Estes Architect
Main Contractor: Long House Builders
Engineering & Consulting Structural: Accu-Tech Engineers
Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States
Area: 175 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Dror Baldinger, FAIA
A Thoughtful Solution to Urban Living
The Barrera House, designed by Cotton Estes Architect, offers a seemingly simple solution to a complex program on a small, downtown property. Located within a historical district of San Antonio, this 370 sq.m. site is just a stone’s throw from the Tower of the Americas, designed by renowned mid-century architect O’Neil Ford. Shaped by its context and the client’s desire for sustainable living, the house fits seamlessly within its tight-knit community.
Connecting with the Outdoors
Outdoor spaces in the Barrera House provide both a connection to and refuge from the city. By locating the primary living spaces upstairs, the design affords greater privacy, quiet, and views for the clients. This arrangement frees the ground plane for concealed parking and a 5,000-gallon rainwater collection system, which supports the landscaped front yard, private patio, and lap pool. Porches on both levels align with the massing of adjacent homes, fostering relationships among neighbors and reinforcing the urban fabric.
Efficient Circulation and Design
The home’s cruciform parti allows for efficient circulation, with a central staircase bridging the private and public halves of the home. As the most frequented space in the house, the stairwell frames views of the outdoors and directs visitors to the living spaces above. The concrete and wood stair details express the transition from the grounded first floor to the aerial living spaces.
Maximizing Space and Views
Vaulted ceilings over the kitchen, living, and dining rooms frame a striking view of the downtown landmark tower. Covered porches bookend these living spaces, with wood slats providing shade from the southwest sun and privacy from the street. The bedrooms and bathrooms are designed to be modest and peaceful, with mirrors and built-in planters inviting the outside in, making even the small spaces feel generous.
Sustainable Living
The Barrera House supports resource conservation through its building systems and material selections, reflecting the client’s desire for minimal maintenance. A remote 11kW solar array, maintained by the energy provider, offsets 100% of the home’s electricity needs (due to historical requirements prohibiting its placement on the home). Natural and timeless materials, such as thermally treated Ash siding by Thermory and hydraulic lime-based plaster walls, were chosen to age gracefully and help this modern home blend into its historic context.
