Ten stunning residences designed by renowned architects will be showcased on the first annual Dallas Modern Home Tour, held Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More than a mere aesthetic, modern is an outlook. It’s a way to view the world, an invigorating perspective that embraces possibility and welcomes open spaces. Whether referring to art, architecture, appliances or something else altogether, modern means clearing out the clutter to allow room for the unexpected.
Local residents are encouraged to experience this concept at the 2012 Dallas Modern Home Tour taking place Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hosting successful tours across the nation, Modern Home Tours, LLC is thrilled to launch their concept here in Dallas, an area privileged to possess many architectural masterpieces.
Co-founder Matt Swinney hopes to see people of all walks of life attending the first annual Dallas event. “Our goal with every Modern Home Tour is to bring an understanding of modern design elements to a larger audience,” he explained. “In the U.S., we have a tendency to lean toward very traditional styles, and modern homes’ incredible beauty often gets overlooked.”
Swinney and his team try to challenge people’s preconceived notions about contemporary architecture by providing a chance to experience it from the inside out. Their hope is that everyone involved will gain a greater respect for several highly talented architects and builders.
It’s hard to imagine how anyone could tour Dallas’ ten residences without experiencing a sense of awe. Double-height ceilings, expansive glass walls, sleek flooring materials – these and other eye-catching aesthetics accent each home. Also, the self-guided tour format gives participants time to explore the attractive neighborhoods represented, such as Uptown, Lakewood, Bluffview and Preston Hollow.
According to Swinney, Dallas’ Modern Home Tour will look slightly different than many of its counterparts. “Every region has its own version of ‘modern’,” he said. “In Texas, most of the homes are bigger than average, because generally there’s more room to spread out.” Some of this year’s tour properties are built on verdant, estate-sized lots, while others are situated in more densely populated urban areas. Regardless of their specific locations, Swinney is right – all are Texas-sized.
“Our goal with every Modern Home Tour is to bring an understanding of modern design elements to a larger audience.”
Another trend is occurring throughout Dallas’ modern housing market: the use of as many local materials as possible. “Texas has an abundance of rich resources like oak, granite, and limestone, and Dallas architects are showcasing them in extraordinary ways.”
“Texas has an abundance of rich resources like oak, granite, and limestone, and Dallas architects are showcasing them in extraordinary ways.”
One example is 9839 Rockbrook, designed by the renowned Steven Holl. A calming creek traverses its approximately 1.5-acre grounds, making the two-bedroom home an especially alluring escape. Another opportunity to note is 4214 Shorecrest, which boasts a stunning remodel by Victor Sidy, Dean of the Frank L1loyd Wright School of Architecture.
See a full list of tour properties and ticket information at dallas.modernhometours.com.