The 9 Most Influential Buildings of the Decade

Built in 1960 by Chalfant Head & Associates, this square-shaped house is wrapped with a circular patio—and it’s currently available for $2.88M.

The Triangle House The characteristic of the narrow, steep hillside plot is its tapering, triangular shape. The view sweeps far and wide over an extensive, natural landscape towards the valley. The layout of the stretched building follows the property line. Surrounded by small residential streets, the building is closed to the hill side, thus forming its back. Here the visitor enters the house on the ground floor, which is the middle level of three, consisting mostly of an airy and spacious area, which is the center of family life. Cooking, eating and living are combined here, zoned only by a freestanding fireplace. This all-round glazed room is sun-drenched all day and opens out to a directly adjacent pool and terrace providing a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. At the tip of the house there is a small workplace, which, like a look-out, opens out to the front of the house. Viewing it from the outside, this narrow side of the building appears like a tower, which proudly stands out as if it is aware of its imposing effect. In contrast, the long side of the house facing the valley is inviting, open and wide. It is remarkable to note how the facade is bent at various points and the building view is accentuated by these carefully folded planes. The basement of the house is accessed from this side. One enters a very generously planned garage, which is tucked away into the ground. A gym is situated towards the west and a family wardrobe towards the east, through which you reach the stairs that take you directly to the ground floor. The private areas, which are located on the first floor, are also completely glazed and offer a spectacular view, bordered by mountains on the horizon. The parents’ bedroom open out onto an exclusive terrace.

Taula House is a single-family residence designed for a multi-generational family in the Preston Hollow Neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. The name “Taula” House is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “Balance.” Guided by the Hindu architecture principles of Vastu shastra, this modern dwelling expresses a balance between traditional beliefs and contemporary ideologies of design. Symmetry, directional alignments, spatial geometry, and delicate detailing were all paramount to the design success of the project. The exterior façade is clad with precast concrete, weathered steel, and dark grey basalt stone. Accents of Brazilian Ipe siding, polished stucco, and zinc composite panel complete the material palette ensemble. The shroud of textures and natural hues are enhanced throughout the day, as the sunlight dances and dapples across each elevation. Ribbons of steel framed glass spread in large vertical and horizontal expanses. Taula House’s structure consists of a steel perimeter frame to support the lateral load of the large precast concrete panels. The 53 unique panels extend full height, with no horizontal joints, and some reach over 30 feet tall. Wood trusses provide clear spans, creating the opportunity for the interior of the house to have no load-bearing walls. A minimalist approach to interior finishes focuses attention on the architecture and precise detailing of the house. Highlights of the exterior palette make their way into the house with a refined use of weathered steel panels and basalt stone floors and walls. The monumental stair at the entry of the house is prominently featured behind a 20-foot tall curtain wall of glass. The stair’s steel structure employs a double-cantilevered switchback design clad with white oak treads. Overall, Taula House reflects the family’s love for entertainment and the importance of peaceful seclusion. There is a graceful mix of public and private – both gathering and intimate spaces. Bold expression and materiality is not lost on this house, yet there is calmness in the beauty.