For the founders of lntexure Architects, lighting, landscaping, and even graphic design are all part of an architect’s job description

For Rame and Russell Hruska, architecture spans many fields-so when the duo teamed up to create Intexure Architects in 2001, they did so with a unique vision. “The word ‘intexure’ means to weave or interweave, which was important to us because we wanted to integrate all facets of the profession, including architecture, interior design , lighting design , landscaping, art and furniture selection, and even graphic design,” Rame says. “For example, in a recent restaurant project, we designed the logo and large-scale wall graphics, which reinforce the architectural space.” In keeping with the concept of interweaving, in 2006 the Hruskas founded Mod-Fab LLC, a construction firm. “We’d always been a design-focused firm,” Rame says. “Increasing our involvement in construction has reinforced that. It gives us more control, as well as the ability to manage quality and costs.” Southmore Terrace was one of the first projects that Intexure Architects and ModFab completed together. The development of four residences is adjacent to Intexure’s offices in the Museum Park neighborhood of Houston. “We see a need for urban housing,” Russell says. “A lot of young professionals want to move back into the loop, so we’re working to create good design with a community atmosphere-but still meet people’s budgets. We think we accomplished that with South more Terrace.” 

The homes in the development sold quickly. “We did things in an unconventional way, but it worked,” Russell says. “Basically, we knew what we wanted to achieve, so we just started promoting it. People were hungry for it.” The first four homes (currently undergoing LEED certification) were so successful that the Hruskas bought more property adjacent to South more Terrace for another development called Palm Terrace. “We’ve just now poured our tenth foundation in the area,” Russell says. All of the homes incorporate the Hruskas’ unique approach to sustainability, which goes beyond LEED requirements. “We are seeking to balance the need for urban density with appropriate green space, access to light, views, and nature,” Rame says. “We want to create a sense of community and connection to the neighborhood, which will lead to a more fulfilling living experience and enrich people’s lives.” Living in an urban environment has many perks beyond the short commute. “We need a walkable environment where people can access retail, commercial, and cultural institutions without getting in a car,” Rame says. “So we’re doing our part to transform this urban neighborhood to accommodate those needs.” The Hruskas also note that land costs are driving denser and more vertical structures-but Intexure’s developments are well-balanced. “[Our work] is denser than that of a single-family suburban home but lessd ense than that of a typical urban townhome 

In 2006, the Hruskas
founded Mod-Fob LLC,
a construction firm,
to round out lntexure
Architects’ design work
with building expertise including modular and prefab.

details or patio-home development,” Rame says. “We preserve more green space, give people access to views and light and air, and incorporate elements like community gardens and gathering
spaces. It’s a unique balance between individual and community space.” Intexure Architects’ emphasis on sustainability is also evident in the LEED Gold-certified Green Building Resource Center, which the firm completed for the City of Houston in 2009. “The city wanted a center to promote green design and offer consulting services to people who want to green their projects, but need help getting started,” Russell says. The firm worked with an existing structure-a municipal space where the city houses its building permits office-to create a space that instructs on green material resources.In keeping with the Intexure’s concept of holistic design, the project wasn’t limited to architecture; the team also worked with product suppliers to select materials to feature. “The space showcases a variety of green products to help people see the possibilities of sustainable design,” Russell says. “Thespace includes multiple carpet types, different wall finishes, lighting, countertops-and we coordinated it to look cohesive, which was a unique challenge.” Looking ahead, the Hruskas hope to streamline the construction process, eliminate waste, and consider modular prefab options. As Rame sees it, “I think there’s a real need in American housing for something more sustainable.”

– Julie Schaeffer

For the lntexure team, architecture is about all aspects of design, including construction,
landscaping, and graphics. The idea of community is constantly at the center of lntexure Architects’ vision for more sustainable homes. Built on top of a former garbage dump, planned with multiple green elements, and then surrounded with additional environmentally conscious residences, Houston-based lntexure Architects’ home studio represents a full commitment to renewal, revitalization, and sustainability. Inside, natural ventilation, extensive daylighting, and a compact design keep the home energy-efficient, even as it’s spacious enough to accommodate up to 14 guests. The husband and wife behind the firm work to not only build green structures but also a sense of community, and they incorporated a neighborhood pavilion outside their home with vegetable and butterfly gardens, a children’s sandbox,and modular prefab elements and an in-ground pond filled by captured rainwater.