Turtle Creek House 
Dallas, Texas
1987/1993

This house was completed in 1993 for avid bird watchers. The site is located along a prehistoric trail that follows the Austin limestone formation in a landscape where woodlands, prairie and stream overlap. The anchored limestone ledges at the entry were designed in the foreground to allude to geologic presence and ancient memories. These ledges also contain native plantings providing seeds for birds.

The house reaches out from its earthbound datum, opening to the trees at various levels—the under story, the canopy and the sky—to allow the owners to observe the birds that inhabit each level. The skyramp and roof-scape terraces engage the sky and allow cover for viewing.

All areas of the house have views to the landscape. The house is designed to allow the couple to entertain easily. An elevator connects the kitchen and butler’s pantry to a variety of spaces both in and on the house which are frequently set up for catered events. The central gathering space opens up to the outdoors allowing the couple to expand the house and use the entire site for parties on warm Dallas evenings.