Set in a south Austin neighborhood where peacocks roam the streets, this four bedroom house strives to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor. The archetype gabled, second story volume, wrapped in board and batten siding, spans between two single story, integral-color stucco cubes. The resultant space of this 28' clear span is a covered veranda, perfect for al fresco dining or taking a respite from the hot Texas sun beside the pool. An office with a separate entrance doubles as a guest suite when required.
Floors and accent walls of white oak illuminate the interior. An abundance of zenith light floods the master bath through multiple skylights, reflecting off the marble walls and floor. Large, strategically placed glass openings allow light in while providing privacy between the main and guest house. An iridescent stainless steel entry offers a nod to the local fowl.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2019
Structural Engineer: JM Structural
Photographer:
Ridge Photography
Patrick Y Wong
Publications:
This resort style residence wraps around a central pool, creating a modern courtyard that takes advantage of the nearly year-round temperate climate. Easing the interior-exterior transition is an engawa-type space, created by extending the roofline and upper floor. Views from the street provide a glimpse through the house to the central pool and offer an invite to a private oasis.
By placing an emphasis on exterior living space, the house reimages how we live in a post-covid world. Additionally, the proximity of water creates a visually and acoustically tranquil live-work environment, while an outdoor kitchen ensures the courtyard functions as the ceremonial hearth of this Central Texas home. A guest suite, with a shared roof but accessible only via exterior circulation, offers flexibility to be a stand-alone rental.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2021
Structural Engineer: Green Earth Engineering
Photographer: Ryan Baldridge Photography
Publications:
Rockingham's modern design was derived from the topography of the site and the large protected oaks on the property. The open concept of communal spaces and natural light, creates a cohesive transition to the screened-in porch with its double height ceiling. Exterior materials consists of stucco, metal siding, and locally sourced cedar.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2016
Structural Engineer: Green Earth Engineering
Builder: Deville Custom Homes
A series of small living units set on an idyllic five acres of remote Costa Rican rainforest, this modern bed and breakfast blurs the distinction between inside and out. Comfortable year around temperatures allow outdoor dining and living spaces and reduce the enclosed, conditioned areas. The minimal material palette of glass, steel and masonry provide privacy and also unobstructed views to the forest beyond. A plunge pool overlooks the forest beyond.
Location: Platanillo, Costa Rica
Year: 2017
This project unifies a 1940s house with a late-1980s addition to the rear by adding a second story that is open to the original house below. Consistent structure and space allow the house to become less compartmentalized and more efficient. High ceilings and clerestory windows contribute to passive cooling. Inspired by the client’s Asian art and antique collection, the design includes gallery space and a second-floor pedestrian bridge leading to the terraced landscape behind the house.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2013
Located on a 60-acre prairie preserve near Taylor, TX, Alligator Creek is a completely off-grid house producing 100% of required power through solar panels and collecting rainwater for all potable water needs. With the building footprint minimized, the remaining site is being reclaimed as natural habitat by eliminating invasive species. Drawing inspiration from Texas vernacular construction and Japanese architecture, the design is reminiscent of a farmhouse with Japanese-style bays. This project contains an 18,000-gallon cistern integrated into the foundation, on-site wastewater management, and SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) roofing. The house is naturally ventilated with operable windows that capture prevailing winds for passive cooling and utilizes wood burning stoves for heating.
Location: Taylor, Texas
Year: 2012
Structural Engineer: JM Structural
Photography: Dan Gentile Photography
Awards:
Austin Green Awards, 2018
Architizer, Architecture + Sustainability, 2013
Publications:
US Green Building Council Texas
Inspired formally by local limestone formations such as Hamilton Pool Preserve and cenotes found throughout the southwestern US and Mexico, the Wellspring House eschews the book-ended, flat hilltop for a challenging hillside location. Entering the site, the house slowly materializes in parallel with downtown views. Water guides visitors from the top entrance to the public, entertaining areas down through the pool level and culminates in the private bedrooms.
Functionally, the house is intended to act as an instrument for viewing the landscape. Long vistas over the pool draw the eye to the Texas Hill Country beyond while the master bedroom and bath frame views of downtown. Intimate spaces are centered around the oculus.
The garage and guest-wing of the house are covered by a green roof, serving to help protect the local ecosystem.
Location: Westlake Hills, Texas
Year: 2018
A competition entry for the adaptive reuse of the Seaholm Intake Building, the centerpiece of Cenote Baths is a 25 foot waterfall, inspired by the geology of Central Texas. Caused by the collapse of limestone bedrock, a cenote is an opening to the water of the underground aquifer. Like its namesake, Cenote Baths illuminates the vital importance of water in our city.
The visitor enters to a quiet, contemplative reflecting pool on the ground floor and traverses a long stair into the heart of the waterfall. Within the cacophony of falling water, the base of the cenote serves as a playable sculpture and the gateway to the lake level pool. A series of nine baths line the pool. Each one explores the interaction of water and light in a series of uncommon sensory experiences.
A one of a kind gathering place, Cenote Baths has the unique opportunity to be one of Austin’s greatest amenities along with Barton Springs, The Greenbelt and Hamilton Pool.