Residence 1401

Comprised of a single-story house and a two-story accessory dwelling unit (ADU), Residence 1401 respects the scale of the surrounding neighborhood while introducing contemporary forms and materiality. Located in a walkable neighborhood in Old West Austin, the small urban lot required careful planning to optimize sun exposure, create privacy, and maximize functionality.

The height and orientation of the residence were carefully coordinated to fit with the existing neighborhood. Each of the two prismatic volumes that make up the main house are set back differently from the street to align with the home’s neighbors on either side. Accessed from a rear driveway, the two-story volume of the detached ADU creates of a sheltered, private courtyard containing an elliptical pool. Chosen for its extreme durability and minimal maintenance, the weathering steel siding shields the house from east/west sun exposure, offers privacy from nearby neighbors, and directs views toward the landscape.

Seemingly carved out of the twin volumes, the interiors are defined by warm wood ceilings that continue from interior to exterior. The kitchen acts as the center of the house, used for cooking, gathering, and access between the front yard and patio. A wall of glass unifies the kitchen and living room; a large sliding door allows the space to open up to the covered patio, where a deep, zig-zagging overhang provides ample refuge from the sun.

Facing the street, the primary bedroom takes advantage of its northern exposure with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. A low fence screens views from the street and sidewalk, forming a secluded garden. While the ceilings at the living spaces slope upward to invite views and create a feeling of expansion, here the ceiling dips down to foster a sense of intimacy and seclusion.

PROJECT
Residence 1401

LOCATION
Austin, Texas

SCOPE
New Construction

PHOTOGRAPHY
Casey Dunn