Houston commuters who traverse Kirby Drive and Shepherd Drive have likely noticed an unusually shaped house along their route. The pill-shaped home at 897 Kirby Drive not only owes its uniqueness to its shape, but also to its windowless front facade and imposing black doors. The Lucian Hood-designed home is more than pleasing to the eye, the lack of front windows provides a buffer from the Kirby Drive traffic. A gated motor court that can be accessed from either Kirby Drive or Shepherd Drive translates to plenty of parking.  When one enters the home, the first feature to catch one’s eye is the dramatic spiral staircase to the left. It twists and…