The site at 1377 Magazine Street is a quintessential New Orleans urban lot, the long and narrow shape that gave birth to the storied shotgun style houses. Situated in the historic Lower Garden District neighborhood, this lot stood vacant for years until procured by our clients for their new family residence. Their design sensibilities are very modern, but they also wanted a sense of warmth to the overall feel of the house. The desire for home with modern energy posed a unique design challenge for the team in a neighborhood whose historic architectural aesthetic is strictly controlled by the City of New Orleans.

The solution is a linear house that responds to the shape of the lot and the surrounding historic buildings. The front porches and the size and shape of the windows are also a direct response to the rhythm and history of the neighborhood. However, the architectural details and materials, such as corrugated aluminum siding, scored concrete floors, and dramatic roof overhangs introduce a desired modern edge. Natural clear coated wood floors, stairs, beams and hand forged iron handrails are used add warmth to the modern interior.

With this design solution, SCNZ Architects demonstrated to the Historic Commission that reverence for the historic neighboring buildings can be achieved while allowing this house to tell its individual story about its unique place in time.