Houston, Texas 

This renovation, located within Cesar Pelli’s iconic Four Leaf Towers, transforms a traditional condominium unit into a dynamic, work-live space for a family, adapting to the modern need for multifunctional living environments.

The "new normal" requires a shift in how we design our domestic spaces, where programmatic relationships are more fluid, and a new kind of home is needed—one that accommodates the growing demands of technology and working from home.

The 1982 condominium, located in Houston’s Uptown district, needed a complete update. With working from home being a key aspect of the design, the space required careful consideration of natural light and fresh air integration. Positioned in the center of 9.5 acres with expansive recreational areas, the tower offers unobstructed daylight, a distinctive feature compared to newer neighboring developments where light and views are often compromised.

The renovation makes strategic use of the unit’s perimeter to absorb various functional needs. 

The walls are thickened to house storage, media displays, a console, a bench, kitchen counters, and a desk, all within a continuous wall system. The living area’s storage also serves as a light shelf, reflecting daylight deeper into the space. The layout opens up by pushing the family’s needs against the boundary walls and removing existing partitions, such as the wall separating the kitchen from the living space. A small wet bar and storage area are replaced with a dedicated work zone that maintains visual connection to the multifunctional living and play areas.

Secondary spaces, including the bathrooms and closets, were reconfigured into more efficient, usable proportions. These spaces are integrated into the perimeter wall system, creating a seamless flow throughout the unit and allowing the entire space to feel like one cohesive whole.