Exclusive Insights: The Dallas Architecture Forum’s 365 Modern Living Cocktail Party Series

Have you ever dreamt of stepping inside Dallas’s most exquisite and pioneering modern residences, understanding the vision behind their creation, and mingling with the brilliant minds who designed them? Now is your unparalleled opportunity to journey behind the curtain of contemporary architectural excellence. The esteemed Dallas Architecture Forum proudly presents its annual 365 Modern Living Cocktail Party Series, an exclusive event offering a rare glimpse into the art of modern living.

Commencing on Tuesday, June 5th, and continuing through select evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., each event promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will be treated to a delightful cocktail reception, complete with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, all while enjoying the rare privilege of meeting the award-winning design teams responsible for some of Dallas’s most significant modern homes. This series highlights properties that are not just residences, but masterpieces of design, including a very special property nestled within the innovative Urban Reserve community near Lake Highlands, and the breathtaking Rock Cliff and Surrey Circle Residences situated in the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood. To ensure a seamless experience, complimentary valet parking will be provided, and guests are encouraged to dress in elegant business or cocktail attire. Given the exclusive nature and limited attendance for these highly sought-after architectural tours, prospective guests are strongly advised to purchase their tickets early to secure their coveted spot in this inspiring series.

A Deep Dive into Dallas’s Modern Architectural Gems

This series isn’t merely a home tour; it’s an educational and inspirational journey into the heart of contemporary design. Each featured residence exemplifies different facets of modern architecture, from sustainable living to seamless indoor-outdoor integration, and masterful renovations. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable homes and the visionary, award-winning teams who brought them to life.

 

Urban Reserve Residence: Blending Urbanity with Nature’s Embrace

Tuesday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The series kicks off with an exclusive visit to the exquisite Urban Reserve Residence, a testament to thoughtful, sustainable design. Architect Billie Tsien masterfully describes this home as “having the plan of a private city condominium sited in the woods,” a poetic description that perfectly encapsulates its essence. This stunning property brilliantly integrates both urban sophistication and natural serenity, exemplifying the stringent sustainable design standards established by the developer for the entire Urban Reserve community. Intriguingly, the developer, alongside her husband, also happens to be the owner of this very residence, fostering a deeply personal connection to its creation.

The genesis of this architectural marvel began when the owners, deeply impressed by a Dallas Architecture Forum presentation by Billie Tsien and her partner Tod Williams, recognized their profound mutual respect for design. This connection led to Tsien and Williams, renowned for their many high-profile projects, including the design of the Obama Presidential Library, being engaged to design this unique home. Guests will be captivated by the residence’s innovative features, such as a second-level terrace complete with an outdoor kitchen and a tranquil lap pool, all enveloped by a lush tree canopy, creating an enchanting space for entertaining or quiet contemplation.

Inside, the home boasts a thoughtfully designed kitchen, guest rooms adorned in elegantly sandblasted concrete, and a captivating wooded ravine that gracefully descends to a serene koi pond and an authentic Japanese garden. Every element of the Urban Reserve Residence speaks to a philosophy where beautiful design harmonizes with enduring durability, creating a living space that truly embodies the owners’ unique lifestyle and values. It stands as a beacon of modern, eco-conscious luxury in Dallas.

Architecture
Tod Williams, FAIA; Billie Tsien, FAIA; James Chavel
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners

Interior Design
Joshua Rice, RID
Joshua Rice Interior Design

Landscape Architecture
Suzie Thompson
Thompson Landscape Design

Contractor
Diane Cheatham
Urban Edge Developers, Ltd.

 

Rock Cliff Residence: A Symphony of Heritage and Modern Expansion

Monday, June 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The journey into Dallas’s modern architecture continues with the magnificent Rock Cliff Residence, a property that beautifully marries historical significance with contemporary elegance. Originally conceived by the legendary Dallas architect Harwood K. Smith, founder of the internationally recognized firm HKS, this home carries a rich legacy. Smith’s architectural prowess, deeply rooted in early modern Texas vernacular and inspired by the iconic O’Neil Ford, resonates throughout every carefully crafted detail of the residence. Situated on a lush, sprawling one-acre site, the home immediately captivates with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that effortlessly dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an immersive natural experience. Its façade, crafted from exquisite St. Joe brick, further enhances its timeless appeal and connection to its surroundings.

The Dallas Architecture Forum shares the compelling narrative behind the home’s remarkable renovation. The current owners acquired the property with a clear vision: to meticulously preserve its cherished heritage while thoughtfully expanding its footprint. Renovation architect Josh Nimmo, AIA, LEED-AP, of NIMMO Architecture, undertook this challenge with exceptional skill. He ingeniously utilized a natural 30-foot slope in the property’s elevation to integrate a 1,500-square-foot bi-level wing, ensuring a seamless and harmonious transition with the original structure. Key architectural elements inherent in Smith’s initial design, such as dramatic vaulted ceilings, strategically placed skylights, and exposed steel rafters, were thoughtfully incorporated into the addition, maintaining continuity and reverence for the past.

The interior spaces underwent a masterful transformation, with original areas revitalized by crisp white walls, providing the perfect gallery-like backdrop for an art collection. Serene white-oak floors flow throughout, complementing the luxurious white marble slabs that define the spa-like bathrooms. Guests will not want to miss the home’s luxurious appointments, which include a custom white Hollywood Regency credenza, a sparkling Schonbek crystal chandelier, and a sculptural dining table designed by none other than Pritzker Prize-winner Norman Foster. The living areas are further enhanced by classic Knoll Saarinen chairs upholstered in rich, deep red mohair, alongside sleek mid-century modern furnishings from esteemed designers, such as sophisticated Minotti chairs and an iconic gondola sofa, all contributing to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Architecture
Joshua Nimmo, AIA, LEED-AP
NIMMO Architecture

Interior Design
Brant McFarlain
R Brant Design

Landscape Architecture
Tary Arterburn, FASLA; Amy Bartell, ASLA; Mark Thomas, ASLA
studioOutside

 

Surrey Circle Residence: The Epitome of Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Tuesday, June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Prepare to feast your eyes on the Surrey Circle Residence, a property widely admired for its exemplary illustration of seamless indoor/outdoor living, a hallmark of modern Dallas luxury homes. This contemporary design marvel is distinguished by its innovative movable glass walls, which, when opened, transform the main living areas into an expansive 800-square-foot screened living room. This incredible space is meticulously appointed with a commanding large stone fireplace, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a dedicated dining area, and discreet radiant ceiling heaters, ensuring year-round enjoyment regardless of the season.

The exterior of the Surrey Circle Residence presents a sophisticated palette of materials, including robust brick, smooth-cut limestone, refined stucco, and elegant Resysta siding accents, creating a rich textural dialogue. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a stunning Silvermist stone hardscape and a charming gravel and cobble entry courtyard, setting a tone of understated luxury. We particularly appreciate the organic feel lent by the Bluestone slab paths that gracefully encircle the magnificent swimming pool and extend across the warm wooden deck, inviting residents and guests to fully embrace the outdoors.

The Dallas Architecture Forum elaborates on the interior’s philosophy, noting, “To complement the expanse of windows and the abundant natural light, earth and water were the two primary elements guiding the interior design and the careful selection of materials and colors.” This vision manifests in a natural palette of rich wood, raw concrete, sleek steel, and solid stone, providing a grounded and authentic ambiance. The neutral furnishings throughout the home add a layer of warmth, beautifully punctuated by vibrant splashes of black, blue, and white in the custom family room rugs. One of the most impressive and visually striking features is undoubtedly the family room fireplace, which incorporates a single, breathtaking horizontal cold-rolled steel slab that dramatically spans the entire width of the room, serving as a powerful focal point and an enduring statement of modern craftsmanship.

Architecture
Patricia Magadini AIA Design Architect
Bruce Bernbaum AIA
Dan Typaldos AIA Project Architect
Bernbaum/Magadini Architects

Interior Design
Robyn Menter
Robyn Menter Design Associates

Landscape Architecture
David Hocker, ASLA
Hocker Design Group

Contractor
Barry Buford
BufordHawthorne Builders LP

Don’t Miss This Exclusive Opportunity!

The Dallas Architecture Forum’s 365 Modern Living Cocktail Party Series offers an unparalleled chance to delve into the world of luxury modern homes and visionary design. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, an aspiring homeowner, or simply seeking inspiration, these events provide a unique platform to engage with cutting-edge design and meet the creatives shaping Dallas’s architectural landscape. Be inspired, connect with peers, and witness firsthand the beauty of modern living.

To purchase series passes or individual admission tickets to the 365 Modern Living Cocktail Parties, please click here. Secure your place now and be part of this exceptional celebration of Dallas modern architecture!