Rio Vista Residence by Buchanan Architecture in Dallas, Texas

Project: Rio Vista Residence
Architects: Buchanan Architecture
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Area: 2,160 sq ft
Photos: Provided by Buchanan Architecture

Rio Vista Residence by Buchanan Architecture

The Rio Vista Residence is an impressive modern home designed for a single family. It sits on a cliff with views of the Trinity River and downtown Dallas. The lot is nestled among dense forest, providing privacy for the house. Over 2000 square feet, Buchanan Architecture has excellently designed this home; if you want to see more of their work, we also featured the Casa Linder project, also in Dallas, Texas.

The Rio Vista Residence is a single-family home of 2160 square feet located on a cliff with views of the Trinity River and downtown Dallas. The lot is at a dead end in an existing neighborhood and offers panoramic views to the north. Existing topography creates natural space for the building in the center of the lot with native trees to the south, east and west.

Passive solar orientation of the dwelling is along an east/west axis with views and natural light to the north, morning sun from the east, shaded cool breezes from the south, and minimal west exposure. Energy-efficient building systems combine with sustainable materials to create a highly efficient, durable, and low-tech home.

The dwelling consists of three rectangular masses of varying sizes and tones; each clad with unique corrugated metal cladding with slight variations in finish. From the street, the house appears as an island accessible only by a bridge. The building mass spans the full width of the lot, limiting views of the urban landscape beyond. Inside, the building opens up as a series of light-filled rooms with panoramic views of the city. The three rectangular masses again manifest as internal volumes designed with varying ceiling heights or materials to highlight the entrance foyer, living rooms and terrace spaces. Simple yet sculptural in form, the overall shape integrates into the landscape as a composition of solids and voids.

Interior spaces are finished in a neutral palette to harmonize with furniture and art.

–Buchanan Architecture