With more than 25 years’ experience as a luxury modern home architect, Chris Davenport has come to deeply value the importance of integrating proper mechanical system design and “tight” construction into his homes for a more holistic form of design excellence. Chris’ houses transcend the normal visual definition of beauty in an effort to achieve spaces that not only look, but “feel” beautiful. After all is a space truly appealing if you are sweaty and uncomfortable while you take in its “beauty”?
While many architects focus mostly on general structure and aesthetics, Chris believes that integrating sound mechanical design to support the five principles of a well-built home is paramount to the overall comfort, health, and happiness of his clients. These principles include:
- A good enclosure: Tight construction with no leaks for air/moisture.
- Minimize indoor emissions: Focus on the reduction of volatile organic compounds (organic chemicals with high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature). Items such as range hoods, carpet padding, paint, cabinets, furniture, cleaning products, and others bring pollutants into the house which need to be emitted.
- Keep it dry, 4. Filter, and 5. Ventilate: A typical 2,000 sf home with 10’ ceilings has approximately 1,500 pounds of air. As our friend and colleague Kristof Irwin, PE, Principal at Positive Energy always says, “we are swimming in a sea of air.” Though invisible to the eye, humidity and harmful particles in the air greatly affect our comfort and health. As a home exhales (ventilation) and inhales (fresh air intake), it is critical that indoor air goes through a process of dehumidification and filtration in addition to the heating and cooling we have come to expect. If clients suffer from allergies or asthma, a correctly designed mechanical system will make a world of difference for their overall health.
This integrated design philosophy has rooted itself in every aspect of the J. Christopher Architecture (JCA) process. Guided by principles of science and use of forward-thinking technologies, Chris ensures each home is not only aesthetically beautiful, but healthy, efficient, sustainable, and high performing. We highly recommend this video with Matt Risinger (Risinger Build) and Miguel Walker (Positive Energy) to understand how a mechanically sound design benefits the health and well being of its inhabitants:
Working with Chris Davenport
As a full-service luxury residential architecture firm, J Christopher Architecture (JCA) provides centralized management and billing of all aspects of the project (barring structural engineering and construction services). We pride ourselves on superior client care and a team approach to creating high performing, award-winning home designs that are unique, warm, and family-friendly.
As the founder and principal architect of JCA, Chris Davenport, AIA, has become particularly known for “luxurious modern ranch” houses which pointedly reflect owner personalities and reference the surrounding environment to create a distinct sense of place.
By focusing on just a few homes per year, J Christopher Architecture is dedicated to providing the very highest level of customer care. Fewer projects and a “hands on” approach allow a deeper understanding of client needs, interests, and values which results in a finely crafted home design that truly reflects the innermost desires of the people who live there.
Professional Services Include:
- Premium Architectural Services
- Mechanical systems engineering design
- Resilient / Sustainable systems discovery + design
- Performance plumbing system design
- Bid/Permit Assistance
- Interior design & selections
- Lighting Design & selections
- Landscape design & selections
- Construction observation
- Coordination with Client’s 3rd Party consultants
With a mission to enrich people’s lives through the process of thoughtful and inspired home design, J Christopher Architecture works with top-tier builders, engineers, building science experts, landscape architects, and interior/lighting designers to create beautiful sustainable homes throughout the challenging landscapes of Texas and beyond.
Outstanding client-centric “healthy” design, luxury living, and genuine heartfelt service are the hallmarks of J Christopher Architecture. Contact us today to Build Your Story.