Shotgun Over and Under: A Modern Interpretation of Houston's Historic Shotgun Houses

Reimagining Cultural and Environmental Sustainability

The Shotgun House is a long, narrow one-story house with rooms lined back to back, originally built in African American municipalities known as Freedman's Towns. William Price's reinterpretation takes this historic typology and elevates it to new heights, both literally and figuratively.

What sets Shotgun Over and Under apart is its unique design concept of stacking two Shotgun houses on top of each other. This variation allows for the preservation of key elements such as access to natural light, cross ventilation, and a connection to nature, while also economizing framing materials.

The project goes beyond replication and instead uses the Shotgun House as a starting point to explore issues of cultural and environmental sustainability. By embracing the concepts of the typology, Shotgun Over and Under becomes a platform for experimentation and innovation.

The main structure of Shotgun Over and Under features wood framing, laminated veneer lumber beams, steel moment frames, and a concrete structural slab with piers. The architectural finishes include polished concrete, washed and pickled white oak, blackened and white stucco, and blackened steel and Galvalume siding.

With a plot size of 278 sqm and a building area of the same size, Shotgun Over and Under makes efficient use of space. The house spans two floors, with a height of 7m, width of 7m, and length of 26m. The landscape area, spanning 92 sqm, complements the design and enhances the overall aesthetic.

The lower volume of Shotgun Over and Under is dedicated to private functions and uses walls to mediate between the interior and exterior. Nature is seamlessly integrated into the spaces, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment. In contrast, the upper volume accommodates public functions and features an open floor plan with two micro-climatic decks. Here, nature is curated and presented in a controlled manner, inviting interaction and engagement.

Shotgun Over and Under not only pays homage to the history of the Shotgun House but also challenges conventional residential design. By reimagining the typology and addressing contemporary ecological and cultural concerns, this project pushes the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable living.

The design process for Shotgun Over and Under began in January 2008, with research and construction taking place in 2016 and 2020, respectively, in Houston, Texas, USA. The project reflects extensive research into typologies associated with Shotgun Houses and a deep understanding of their cultural significance.

Shotgun Over and Under received the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2022. This award recognizes the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements. It stands as a testament to the project's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.

Shotgun Over and Under is not just a house; it is a symbol of progress and a catalyst for change. By embracing the past and reimagining the future, William Price has created a design that transcends boundaries and inspires us to think differently about our relationship with nature and each other.