Set on a typical urban lot, the unique design of this modern houston home is raised up to prevent issues with flooding with still maintaining a welcome street presence.  based on a courtyard layout enclosing two outdoor areas, creates a sense of openness and connection to nature.  The home was designed for modern casual family lifestyle with thoughtful details for children and durability.  Throughout the home vistas are designed to incorporate views of these outdoor areas and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space. A detached guest pavilion and outdoor deck extends the living space and bridges garden and pool areas. The design enhances the feeling of light open spaces and combines a sense of elegance and simplicity with that of a modern casual family lifestyle. The finishes in the home are restrained to a unified neutral palette, while the furnishings and art add pops of color. The materials were carefully selected to provide durability and timeless appeal.  Tile in the master bath provides the feeling of wood without being imitative.  The secondary and guest baths utilize the same floor and wall tile to unify the design.  In the secondary bath which is designed for children a band of blue penny round tile adds pops of color against the neutral background.  Sustainability is achieved through a variety of features including incorporating local materials, low flow plumbing fixtures, energy star appliances, high efficiency AC system, superior insulation, and drought tolerant landscaping. Long term durability, ease of maintenance, and appropriate use of materials is a key factor in sustainability, with elements incorporated in this modern Houston home.