Concrete & Light: A Terrace Above the Heights
Fall is arguably the best season to be outside in Houston. The air softens, the heat loosens its grip, and stillness begins to take shape in the spaces between. In this terrace, atop a historic concrete structure west of the Heights, time seems to move differently. It’s a place that invites observation — of texture, shadow, and the quiet dialogue between nature and form.
Designed in 1974 by the architecture firm MacKie and Kamrath, this structure is a quiet icon of Houston’s modernist legacy, and every material was selected with intention. I chose to keep the original concrete on this terrace not only because it feels right from a design perspective, but because it speaks to the deeper story around the home.
Rather than covering the concrete with something new, we chose to resurface the original concrete with a micro-topping. This allowed us to soften the tone and texture just enough to tie in the warm wood palette inside, creating a steady flow between indoors and out. The end result is understated but deliberate; a matte, subtly tactile surface that honors the strength of the original design while making it feel more grounded and livable for today.
The terraces themselves were created by pulling the glass windows back from the exterior walls. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors invite Houston’s skyline inside, turning the city into a calm, ever-changing backdrop for both the east and west living areas. Concrete, polished stone, steel, and soft furnishings all meet here, balancing weight and air, history and the present.
When I was arranging this terrace, I wanted the furnishings and objects to feel like they were part of the home’s concrete story, where traces of wood formwork and sand-blasted aggregate meet new surfaces.
The Holly Hunt chairs are simple and comfortable–the kind you sink into without thinking–while the Gandia Blasco high chairs bring a sculptural presence that gently contrasts the weight of the concrete.
I first came across the Atelier Vierkant ceramic modules in Barcelona years ago and have loved them ever since. They add a softness and an organic texture that feels almost like it belongs to the air itself.
The limestone table by Yucca Stuff gives the space a sense of grounding and height, and a silver Flos lamp adds just the right hint of sculptural elegance. Small details, like plateware from Zanat, make the table feel ready for a meal without ever calling attention to itself.
This terrace reflects the home itself, where design exists to support life, honor history, and make the present feel tangible.
Here are a few pieces I love that helped inspire this terrace look. Some are the exact items used in the design, while others are similar in spirit—each chosen to capture the same balance of comfort, texture, and presence.
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At the heart of Musings is a belief: that exceptional design emerges through conversation, collaboration, and shared curiosity. We invite you to be part of this unfolding dialogue, share your reflections, pose questions, or suggest topics that stir your imagination.
