This modular modern home, entitled ‘House Behind a Wall,’ by architect Max Levy, is positioned within a rural East Dallas backdrop, yet balances on the cusp of a busy urban pace. The location allows an unencumbered route to downtown, a quick drive to acclaimed Richardson schools and the private school corridor, plus links to the Harry S. Moss Park trails, leading to White Rock Lake.

The juxtaposition is a signature element in the celebrated architect’s ability to preserve and capture tranquility within a home amidst a restless environment. And the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently honored this home the 25-Year-Award for reflecting this balance. 

Levy’s inaugural architectural structure spans 3135 square feet within four modular ‘forms’ linked by a gallery hallway, which garnered a Texas Society of Architects Award. On the north end of the half acre lot, a two-story ‘pavilion’ houses a downstairs primary bedroom with an on-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The second level is introduced with a staircase paired with ascending shelving which serves as an elevated library or treasured art showcase. 

An upstairs bathroom and two additional bedrooms are vibrantly simplified to illustrate the home’s respect and near subservience to nature. Bedroom windows are aligned with the waking eye to ensure the pastoral image is the initial morning impression. 

Descending the staircase, a pristine gallery hallway leads to a cubic shaped space with a skylight adorned by a distinct yellow tent. Once a signature screened Levy porch, it has evolved into a cubed room encased by generous windows that summon the sunlight. The natural ambiance offers a luminous work area, radiant reading space, a meditation or vibrant playroom. And after dark, the skylight coupled with the colored canopy and house illumination, presents an upward glowing landmark to the otherwise concealed and secluded property.

Just beyond the glassed wrapped space, the voluminous living, kitchen, and dining area implores a soiree. Consistent banquet seating throughout welcomes company and provides a perch to the peaceful exterior panorama. East reaching windows outline the serene back lawn landscape dotted with cedar elms, Japanese maples, and dogwoods, with a spring fed creek framing the large lingering lot. 

The three distinct and interconnected Max Levy structures formulate an amphitheater to the east lawn, while a foot thick brick wall insulates and disguises the property’s west side from the urban hustle.

A spectacular union of a bucolic setting adjacent to bustling city life, plus the meticulous maintenance, and upgrades, plus engineered add-on opportunities validate the AIA recognition of ‘A project that has stood the test of time.’ 

Additionally, this debut Levy home has been featured in Architectural Record, Texas Architect, Dallas Morning News, House Beautiful, Dallas Life Magazine, and Metropolitan Home, among others.