The most striking architectural element I’ve seen lately is the floor-to-ceiling steel and glass door at 125 Gray Avenue in the Funk Zone. The door leads from the living room to the courtyard patio, pivoting outward in a compelling blend of physics, beauty, and artistry. This dramatic 17-foot entry may steal the show before one even steps foot inside, but a complete tour of this home reveals one jaw-dropping feature after another.
I walked up during a recent lively Saturday afternoon. If you’ve spent any time in the Funk Zone lately, you’ve seen that the neighborhood is hopping. Two-block-long Gray Avenue is no exception. There’s an art gallery at the end of the street, a buggy rental outlet at the corner attracts plenty of attention, and the popularity of the Waterline complex on the next block means there’s no shortage of people or activity.
However, as soon as I crossed the gated entryway of 125 Gray Avenue, the Funk Zone faded away. I found myself in a cool, contemporary courtyard — a quiet respite from the neighborhood flurry. The front patio area is a sunken garden walled by concrete and softened by drought-tolerant landscaping, including a profusion of bright fuchsia bougainvillea that spills over the top of the garage. This courtyard is just large enough for a few chairs, but not to worry — there are plenty of decks and outdoor entertaining areas throughout this home.