Background & Concept

DOGTROT HOUSE refurbishes a bungalow from 1926 which has undergone numerous renovations. Surveys indicate that the house was originally a two-unit “dog trot”, a uniquely American typology, here re-interpreted in a contemporary configuration.

Four independent ‘cabins’ sit between a deck and a roof. These units articulate two breeze-ways, ‘trots’, that separate functions and bring exterior features to the interior. Each cabin is singularly tasked for either Living, Cooking, or Sleeping. One trot accommodates the open tasks of dining and office, while the other serves as an axis between the front and back doors.

Movement between cabins requires passage through either Trot via thresholds that are identically detailed on both interior and exterior. To reinforce the independence of these cabins, traditional clapboard siding and overlaid trim are contrasted with contemporary full glazing at the end of each Trot - creating a void between each unit, and allowing passage of light and breezes.

Site Design

The site is a condominium shared by Dogtrot and two other historic bungalows. This communal landscape features a decomposed granite ground cover, wood and metal fencing, native grasses, and drought-tolerant fruiting plants exemplifying modern simplicity while retaining some of the rich texture of the Texas hill Country.

Dogtrot House is located in the lively Heritage Neighborhood, a walkable community which is characterized by an ensemble of bungalows in close proximity to public parks and transportation links.

Ecological efficiency

The project was an adaptation to an existing bungalow.  Keeping as much of the existing building fabric as possible (foundation, roof, studs, diagonal sheathing) and limit waste was adopted early as a crucial sustainable first step.

Passive energy systems include new operable double-glazed windows to promote significant daylighting whilst letting each ‘Trot’ act as a breezeway; open-cell spray foam insulation so as to reduce heat gain and accommodate energy-efficient active HVAC system.

Date:  2016-2019
Gross floor area: 1,400 sf
Client:  Confidential
Architect:  Charles Di Piazza Architecture
Design Team: Charles Di Piazza, Robert Foy, Hannah Frossard (Models), James Holliday (Graphics)
Landscape Architect: Campbell Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineer: Fort Structures
General Contractor: 22 Construction LLC
Staging: Lindsay Nakashima
Photography: Ibai Rigby