With an owner’s vision for a refined retreat notable for fluid spaces and artful details, this centrally located Austin residence makes the most of its steeply sloped, leafy site in an established neighborhood. Throughout the 492-sq-metre house, the flow of spaces is informed by natural light; rooms open one after another and draw one forward to discover what comes next.
Two deceptively simple single-storey gabled structures are connected by a glass entry foyer through a formal entry court. The foyer greets guests with a unique oak wood floor pattern and reveals an outdoor living oasis with a pool at the sunken rear yard, while bridging public and private wings on the main level. The public wing features a great vaulted room combining kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with a balcony overlooking the pool below. A neutral interior colour palette draws attention to bold details, such as the stained black cabinetry and beautiful marble-wood waterfall island.
‘As the city of Austin continues to grow,’ notes Paul Clayton, AIA, Principal at Clayton Korte, ‘this residence evokes a modern simplicity, while respecting the history of the surrounding Clarksville neighbourhood. From the street-level, one sees a seemingly single-storey home, but an open tread entryway stair leads down to generous gathering spaces and bedrooms tucked below.’
As light and shade change throughout the day, afternoon sun pours into the master suite, which is located in the private wing opposite the balcony, through large bedroom windows and a skylight in the bathroom.
A central, delicate open tread stair leads to guest rooms and a large family room on the lower level. The family room seamlessly extends through disappearing glass doors to a covered outdoor kitchen (41-sq-metres of covered space), patio, and pool — perfect for easy entertaining.
location: Austin, Texas, USA | architecture: Clayton Korte – design team: Paul Clayton, AIA; George Wilcox, AIA; Joseph Boyle, AIA (former); Delia Meave (former) | general contractor: Next Custom Homes | structural engineer: GOGO Structural Engineers | lighting design: CK & owner | photography: Andrea Calo
