Architects: Miro Rivera Architects
Project: Vertical House
Architects in Charge: Juan Miró, FAIA; Miguel Rivera, FAIA; Ken Jones, AIA
Location: Dallas, TX, United States
Area: 8017.0 ft2
Photography: Paul Finkel, Miro Rivera Architects
Vertical House is a stunning contemporary house designed by Miro Rivera Architects, an internationally-recognized architecture practice based in Austin, Texas. Located on one of the few lots in Dallas elevated enough to enjoy a view of the downtown skyline, the five-story Vertical House rises dramatically above the treetops to capture views of the surrounding gardens and the skyline beyond.
Characterized by clean lines, sheer glass walls, and sculptural sun shades, this sharply-detailed house offers an intriguing counterpoint to the tropical ambiance of its forest-like setting.
Starting at the lowest level, two 60-foot-tall exterior screen walls surge upward on both sides of the house, providing the home’s primary structural support as well as offering shade and privacy to spaces within. Moving vertically through the house from the entrance, every major space is immediately accessible from a glass-enclosed stairwell.
Views outward become ever more impressive as the ground below falls away, and a palpable sense of suspension takes hold. The subdued material palette throughout the interior consists of white walls and polished concrete floors, with a continuous accent wall of bookmatched Carrara marble that runs the height of the stair connecting all the floors.
The progression terminates at an inviting open-air roof terrace, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views. A mechanical skylight provides access from inside, and the terrace is shaded from the afternoon sun by an extension of the screen wall, which turns 90 degrees to form an airy pergola.
Captured rainwater from the roof supplements irrigation for the surrounding landscaping. The pool house opens up to a 65-foot long lap pool via floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. Lush vegetation spills over the heavy limestone block walls that surround the pool and deck, providing a secluded space for exercise and recreation.
