RBW Core House by Nonya Grenader Architects

RBW Core House is a project undertaken by Nonya Grenader and students in Rice University's Building Workshop program, where Grenader is a professor. The goal of the project was to update and maximize space in a 500 square-foot shotgun-style rowhouse by inserting a new "core" — bath, kitchen and mechanical components.

Of course our ears perk up with any endeavor to make 500 square feet more livable. This concept is a (relatively) economical one, sacrificing privacy in exchange for openness. However, we like the look of this a bit better than the usual great-room renovations. Another aspect that makes this project appealing is the retention of original surfaces and textures.

• RBW Core House in Nonya Grenader Architects' Portfolio

Comments (6)

Ahhh yes, the wet core. Anyone here fans of the show Architecture School on Sundance Channel?

Did they sell the house or can you go look in it? I'm in Houston and it'd be cool to go see in person (even if it is in the Third Ward). The space looks gorgeous and bigger than 500 sq ft. I love all the details- the built-ins around the wall, the window seat, how the kitchen curves around to add more counterspace.

spinsLPs, I've never heard of that show, but I'm gonna check it out.

I believe someone is living in the space now. But if you would like to see more of Nonya's work, one of her other projects will be featured on the Rice Design Alliance architecture tour at the end of March. I believe it's March 28-29. But check out the web page: http://rda.rice.edu/index.php?topgroupid=6&subgroupid=34&groupid=78

It's a tour of small houses in Houston (a rare thing..)

I went on last year's Rice Design Alliance tour and it was great.

I like the wide open spaces. I would never typically consider a studio, but this would be a studio I could live in.