Brian Gream and Scott Marek Create a Magnificent Modern in Urban Reserve

Builder Brian Gream and architect Scott Marek are the talented duo behind our Inwood Home of the Week at 60 Vanguard Way, a magnificent modern masterpiece in Urban Reserve. Urban Reserve is one of those neighborhoods that make you look at your significant other and say “Honey, I don’t think we’re in Texas anymore.” But, boy howdy are you.

If you ever think Dallas is not on the cutting edge of architecture and sustainability, take a stroll through Urban Reserve. It’s a classic case of Texans doing things bigger and better. It’s an award-winning, 13-acre green community of just 50 homes, designed and constructed by some of the most talented builders and architects in the state. The neighborhood has sustainable features, as do the individual LEED-certified homes. Each house looks like a page out of some futuristic architecture book. Let’s just say George Jetson would be right at home here.

Gream and Marek are no strangers to the ‘hood. They’ve both built three other homes separately and teamed up for this one because they kept running into each other and just hit it off. What distinguishes this particular home from others in the neighborhood is the lot.

“It’s almost not debatable this is the prettiest lot in Urban Reserve,” Gream said. “Two lots are mirror image triangles, and this one is the only house that has a clear view straight across the bike trail, with no views of any other house. Across the street is a city park so no one can build there.”

“The lot is unique,” Marek agreed. “This triangular shape creates an opportunity for views of the trail, the creek, and the tracks. It opened up an opportunity to create a lot of secondary upstairs living spaces to take advantage of the views and make you feel more like you’re in a park rather than a neighborhood”.

The house is constructed with cypress and sheet metal siding, Lueders limestone, steel, and standing-seam metal for the roof. Architects and builders that create multiple homes in Urban Reserve are innovators, always coming up with new ways to do things. Some of the unique features of this home are pure genius.

Take the floating window that projects from the living room, for example. “We had a regular window cut into the stone, and as we got into construction Brian suggested we do this box that creates a sitting space, a perch over the sidewalk,” Marek said. “All day long people are walking down the road, so it’s a nice connection to the neighborhood.”

“The window is hand-built out of one-inch steel and cut on a plasma cutter,” Gream said. “That allows you to produce a more finished product and create shapes.

Once inside the massive steel-and-glass entry door, you’re met with a dramatic hand-fabricated steel staircase and large gracious spaces.

The open-plan living and kitchen area features another clever design. “We all like an eat-in kitchen, but you can’t look at one another if you’re sitting side by side at a counter,” Gream said. “So, I created a white oak table with hand-crafted chrome legs that connects to the island.” Problem solved!

While there are certainly well-known architects and designers in the neighborhood, there are also doctors, (you can ride to Medical City on the bike trail), retirees, empty nesters, and — surprise! — families with kids. After all, it’s in the coveted Richardson school district, and look at all that park land. It’s perfect for a kicking a soccer ball around.

It’s a desirable and diverse neighborhood. But, if you want into this sustainable paradise, you’d better move quickly.

“There is only one other house for sale right now,” Gream said.

Gream and Marek’s magnificent modern is a whopping 4,666 square feet, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a powder bath. It’s one of the larger homes in Urban Reserve, and remember those views.

“One of my favorite things about this home is almost every single window has a million-dollar view of the green space,” Gream said. “In fact, these may be some of the best views in Dallas for under $2 million!”

Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate listing agents Jason Bates and Ryan Streiff have the home listed for $1.549 million. If you’re looking to the future, and how to live a smarter and more sustainable lifestyle, look no further — you’re home.

Open House: Sunday, July 16, 2 to 4 p.m.

Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager for more than 25 years. She’s been a professional writer for 20 years. Karen is the mother of a son who’s studying music at The University of Miami. An ardent animal lover, she doesn’t mind one bit if your fur baby jumps right into her lap. Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com