The Fulshear House
Fulshear, TX
Designer/Developer: David Wersebe
Project Manager: Santiago Macedo, Opaz LLC
Structural Engineer: Shannon Galway
Architect: Tammy Hodgeson
Photography: Kristian Alveo
Video: Pearl MF
Original Series
People
History & Vision
David Wersebe’s family has owned their ranch in Fulshear, Texas, since his grandfather fell in love with the land in the 1920s. The ranch was known for its pecan trees, which thrived for many years. Once the trees stopped producing nuts, Wersebe had to decide the land’s future. The property borders polo fields, an important part of Fulshear’s equestrian culture. These pecan trees and polo fields influenced Wersebe's vision for the development.
Though not an architect, Wersebe has a passion for architecture. While having a barbecue with neighbor Shannon Galway, they came up with the idea for a residential development. Wersebe aimed to create a home he would love, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design, intending for it to be a livable piece of art. After research and travel, the team chose to highlight the land’s natural beauty, using materials that blend with the scenery. Wersebe believes this approach, along with the uniqueness of each home, distinguishes this project from other rapid developments in Fulshear.
The Fulshear House is just the first of many unique homes planned for the property. Aware of the significant financial and time commitments required, Wersebe invited engineer Shannon Galway and builder Santiago Macedo to partner on the project. He considers this his best decision, as it fostered teamwork and a shared commitment to tackle the many challenges encountered during the design and construction process.
Design & Construction Photos
Obstacles
The home plans were bold and ambitious. Every part was thoughtfully designed for both looks and functionality. However, the project's scale brought various challenges during construction, including concrete foundation issues, problems with the weight of the bridge and garage, and HVAC difficulties in the open-concept layout. The team had to frequently pause, collaborate, and revise plans. Galway pointed out that perfect planning would be ideal but often isn’t practical. Despite these challenges, the design's integrity remained intact. Moving forward, the team plans to have as much design finalized on paper as possible before starting construction. They gained valuable lessons that will be applied to future development plans.
Standout Features
Galway describes this new type of home in Fulshear, Texas, as groundbreaking. The location is valuable, but the unique design and use of uncommon materials set this project apart. The home features pod-like structures, which can be viewed as separate sections or one whole unit, adding visual interest to its exterior.
The house is covered in Kebony wood, a sustainable and low-maintenance material that ages to a silver-gray color, enhancing its natural look. This choice creates a nice match with the stonework. The stone was sourced locally and custom cut on site to fit the project’s needs.
The entire home was built around a bridge that connects the master and main pods. Designed by structural engineer Galway, the bridge is made of steel, glass, and wood, and was built first after the foundation was laid. It is not structurally connected to the house and the materials used expand and contract at different rates, allowing them to move independently. The bridge overlooks a natural pond.
The Fulshear House has many unique features, including a hydraulic power lift garage door that opens like an airplane hangar door and a rooftop deck called the “Polo Perch” with views of the polo fields. This deck, along with the one by the pond, is made of Kebony wood. These details contribute to the house's distinctiveness.
Photography
