CASA CAJA

DALLAS, TEXAS | 3,000 SQFT | COMPLETED IN 2002

DALLAS AIA CITATION AWARD 2002

TSA DESIGN AWARD 2002

This is a 3,000 square-foot house built over a 10-year period in a Dallas suburb 5 minutes from downtown.  The occupants had lived on the site for 15 years, initially occupying a 1,200 square-foot 1939 tract home.  A three level tower was first added to the front adding 2 bedrooms when the family grew.  A new main house was started in the back yard 2 years later. The original 1939 house was then demolished upon its completion, providing space for a new front yard court.

The majority of the work was self-performed by the family, with a little help from their friends.  Materials and craft are straightforward and a bit brutal.  They reflect the skill level of the builders.  The sensibilities and parti also acknowledge the traditional Mexican court house.

“Mr. Cunningham received the third Citation for Casa Caja, the astonishing eight-year transformation of his own University Park bungalow that became a neighborhood ‘cause celebre’.  Juror Joseph Valerio suggested that the neighbors also get an award for putting up with the architect.”

- David Dillon for the Dallas Morning News