Nestled in a secluded Alamo Heights enclave, a home designed in 1958 by renowned architect O’Neil Ford had languished as a remarkable residence in an undeveloped garden full of potential. Originally built for the Fitzsimmons family, visionary couple Emma and Toby Calvert saw potential in the historically significant home as a nurturing nest to raise their two young daughters.
The home’s public and private spaces are housed in two volumes connected by a glass core that has remained virtually untouched — having only two owners in its 58-year history. Tobin Smith, architect and now partner with the Dado Group, was commissioned to create an exterior architectural retreat that would relate to the interior living spaces. A new central patio — “the runway terrace” — carries the eye out from the main entry through the glass core to a new pool that reaches for the horizon, accentuating the strong central axis. The design incorporates the 60-foot cliff at the edge of the site into the daily experience of the house.
“Our girls are so excited about this project, and now they have a place to go outside and hang out,” said Emma. “They’ve had more parties here than Toby and I have.” Smaller courts that offer privacy and a more intimate scale between the carport and main house are outdoor rooms cooled by artful water features. The exterior architecture is also connected to the house through the use of
material: Mexican Saltillo tile and brick, both original materials, and galvanized steel plate, which echoes the roofing material. River pebbles are a separating element between the original structure and new elements.
A recipient of a 2012 AIA San Antonio Design Award for architectural excellence, internationally acclaimed architect Thomas Hacker stated, “The architect has created a richly layered living experience by organizing a set of courts and gardens around and between the historically significant existing house by O’Neil Ford. With a very simple palette of materials and a magical use of planes of water, the project achieves a rare level of poetic expression.”
“Tobin has succeded in carrying the indoors out,” said Emma. “O’Neil started it, and Tobin has completed it.”
