Architects Jose Tavel and Cara Cummins have merged their private and professional lives into their new Old Fourth Ward home and studio, which they designed with energy efficiency in mind.
A geothermal heating and cooling system and high-performance mechanical systems and windows (with extra caulking) are among the green features in the home, which earned LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The couple also married the inside and outdoor spaces.
“In a way, I like to describe the house as an island house,” Cummins said. “Jose was born in Havana, Cuba. Like Havana, we’re surrounded by water. The pool is on one side. The koi pond is on another.”
Snapshot
Residents: Jose Tavel and Cara Cummins, architects and owners of TaC Studios
Location: Old Fourth Ward
Size: About 3,700 square feet, two bedrooms plus a studio that serves as their office, three-and-a-half baths
Year built: 2011
Architectural style: Modern. Just as cars have evolved beyond the Model T, houses should have the same opportunity, Tavel said.
Favorite architectural feature: The open staircase and north-facing windows helped the couple and architects create a light-filled home. The placement of the windows in the studio and other rooms provides consistent daylight year-round and limits their use of lighting, lowering utility costs, Cummins said.
Interior design style: Functional, with simple lines and simple design. They work with light, shadows, materials and textures, Tavel said. Their furniture and accessories are a mix of new and antique, and refined and primitive pieces (including untrained artists such as the Rev. Howard Finster, James Harold Jennings, Lorenzo Scott and George Andrews).
Favorite design feature: They appreciate American design and own items by American designers and companies, Cummins said. Those pieces include Eames chairs in their studio.
Favorite outdoor feature: The rooftop, which is flanked by 100-year-old oaks. "The rooftop is a really great adult treehouse where you've got these wonderful views, and it's very protected, so you can sit out there when it's raining," Cummins said.
Favorite green feature: The WaterFurnace thermostat allows them to program temperatures for the studio, living area, master bedroom and other "zones" of the home. For example, by 7 a.m., the master bedroom needs to be a certain temperature, and it gradually reaches that temperature instead of having a drastic spike that can increase energy consumption.
