Dallas Can’t Get Enough of This Lakewood Modern Treehouse
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Sometimes you just can’t get enough of a good thing. We’ve been smitten with this Lakewood modern treehouse for years, as has the rest of Dallas. We’ve published on it twice, and it has been featured in D Magazine twice. It’s also been on the Lakewood Home Tour three times and on the AIA Dallas Tour of Homes in 2018.
Architect David Ludwick, AIA, designed this magical home for his family in 1979, and Maestri Studio reimagined it in 2017. Ludwick always dreamed of expanding the house, but even the best-laid plans don’t often materialize. Taking inspiration from Ludwick’s original drawings, Maestri Studio worked with builder Jim Scott & Sons to make that dream a reality. The studio provided the following description for the AIA home tour, which sums it up beautifully.
Maestri Studio built upon the 1970s aesthetic by incorporating midcentury design elements and a fresh take on key features such as the kitchen, connection to outdoor living, and exterior updates. A favorite detail: the custom front door with a brass starburst, which creates a more glamorous entry into the light-filled living space.
The treehouse effect hits the moment you enter with a wall of solarium-style fixed glass windows overlooking the half-acre creek lot. The sunken living room pays homage to the midcentury aesthetic. Conversation pits were a staple of cutting-edge architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s, not only in life but on television, and both the Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore shows featured this uber cool element.
A massive two-story brick fireplace brings the drama to the 3,835-square-foot Lakewood modern treehouse. As much as you will want to stay in the conversation pit sipping your martini, the 1000-square-foot tri-level engineered deck is a magnetic draw. Large enough to entertain on, you’ll also enjoy the serenity of simply sitting here and listening to the birds.
Glancing back over its past MLS listings, it’s clear every owner has honored this home and, without sacrificing any of its character, has left their own stamp while continually updating it to meet modern lifestyle standards. The current owners did a significant amount of exterior maintenance and updating, including additional landscaping and outdoor lighting. They’ve completed all those things you don’t really want to do but know you should, making this home truly move-in ready.
One of the best additions was the bar in the living room. Why go to the kitchen to mix those martinis? Although if you are a messy mixer, the kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area, so you can create your concoctions without worry.
Maestri Studio’s updates to the kitchen are notable. There were originally brick floors and the usual late 1970s layout with high-low countertops basically corralling the cook into the center. It was completely reconfigured with a Silver Macaubas quartzite island, quartz accent countertops, and rift-cut white oak cabinets, and direct access to the deck was opened. One of the more amusing nods to swinging ‘70s style is the interior grow wall of wooden planters next to the breakfast area. I’d be driven to whip up a macrame holder and add some more hanging plants!
A split staircase leads to a secondary living area, two bedrooms, and a large updated secondary bathroom. Adding bedrooms above the garage was part of Ludwick’s original plan, which Maestri Studios executed.
Architectural significance and exceptional livability in the heart of Lakewood are hard to find. Oh, and yes, there is the fun element. Not only can you entertain easily here, but at one time, there was a zip line over the creek, so you know that’s a possibility!
