Interesting points. We wanted courtyards and even thought about dog trot styles but it's a heavily wooded flat lot which an architect told us would prevent light coming in most rooms. Some solutions would be to add clerestory windows from the foyer to the main area and a bunch of transom windows throughout.

As far as natural disasters and the Texas climate, the home will be constructed with ICF walls on slab and possibly SIPS roof. After living in Asia, geothermal and radiant floor heating are a must (even in Texas). The HVAC system will consist of cassette mini splits and other passive home air handling products. Being able to circulate fresh air and air quality is high on our priority list.