Ghost

Viper House

A private residence in the Bluffview neighborhood of Dallas, where linear concrete and corten steel forms are softened by the surrounding landscape.

Viper House

Completed

2025

Project Type

2-Level, Single Family

Space

15,900 SF

Rooms

5 Bed, 7 Bath

Viper House

The architecture is organized as a low, linear composition, with a restrained material palette and a strong emphasis on spatial clarity and privacy. The building is constructed primarily of site-cast concrete, weathered corten steel paneling, and smooth plaster. These materials were selected for their permanence, texture, and tonal contrast.

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01 — Weathered corten steel paneling

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02 — Site-cast concrete

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03 — Drive and main entry

Floating steal and lumber staircase

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07 —Custom steel and lumber staircase

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Axonometric View

The massing is deliberately simple, with solid forms framing carefully controlled openings and a central courtyard that anchors the plan.

The surrounding landscape was designed to create a sense of seclusion and retreat from the city. Perimeter planting and the strategic placement of large, mature trees establish a lush, immersive environment. The garden softens the architectural edges and reinforces the sense of calm within the site.

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04 — Rooftop terrace

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05 — Garage skylight apertures

A rooftop terrace offers a quiet, elevated outdoor space with integrated planting and automated shade canopies, providing comfort and flexibility throughout the day.

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06 — Suspended steel staircase

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07 — Primary bath

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08 — Fitness room with pivoting glass wall

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09 — Primary bath and closet

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At the core of the house, a suspended steel stair acts as a sculptural focal point. Its coiled form introduces a sense of movement and tension within the otherwise rectilinear plan. Interior detailing is minimal and precise, with a focus on material continuity, muted finishes, and a refined sensibility.

Guiding the Process

  • Wooden wall with construction-site rebar, tools, and door frame in progress.
  • Construction site with wooden structures, building materials, and equipment scattered outside on site.
  • Wooden building structure with open frame on a construction site amidst lush green trees.
  • Construction site interior featuring circular skylights amidst unfinished wooden framing and construction supplies nearby
  • Outdoor backyard scene featuring wooden fences and metal structures under tree branches naturally.
  • Skilled construction workers build wall formwork with natural wood and steel scaffolding equipment outdoors safely.
  • Warm modern minimalist living space with wooden paneling and concrete seating area design.
  • Gray building corner with metal panel and window exterior detailing closely inspected architecture.
  • Construction workers assembling metal building panels on site with cranes and heavy equipment.
  • Modern dark gray building exterior with vertical slats and sleek metal panels.
  • Stunning metal staircase with modern railing amidst bare trees on outdoor concrete structure.
  • Construction workers assembling metal building panels outdoors with construction machinery and crane services.
  • Modern industrial decor featuring a concrete pillar and floor-to-ceiling glass doors showroom setting.
  • Sustainable wooden building features plywood exterior walls and a leafy tree canopy overhead.
  • Curved wooden slat shelter with open sky view under natural treehouse design.
  • Aerial construction site photo with building, vehicles, and workers in the process.

Architecture and Interior Design

Ghost Architects

Contractor

Allgood/Pfannenstiel

Structural Engineer

Ian Babcock PE

Photography

Ghost Architects