“This is a beautiful example of a simple concept executed in a very sophisticated way...in every aspect of the building.”
Emerging from a sloping berm, the River Hills Residence embodies the laid-back ethos of Austin. The lakeside retreat overlooks a sweeping lawn shaded by towering native pecan and bald cypress trees. A path from the house leads to a swimming pool, guest cabin, and boat dock.
The main house is comprised of two wings flanking a central courtyard and connected by a glass volume. On approach, the home maintains a low profile—an idea made possible by partially burying the two wings, which contain four bedrooms and the garage, into the topography. Steps flanked by colorful native flowerbeds lead down into the welcoming courtyard, where windows provide a glimpse of the owner’s collection of art. Weathering steel is used in a variety of ways on the home’s exterior—as cladding, handrails, chimneys, retaining walls, and scuppers—complemented by treated ash wood.
The centerpiece of the residence is the great room. Anchored by a sculptural charcoal limestone fireplace, the space physically connects the Corten-clad wings. Two walls of butt-glazed, floor-to-ceiling glass allow views from and through the main living spaces to the landscape, while deep overhangs protect the interiors from the harsh summer sun. The fireplace separates the great room from the media room, with steel bookshelves nestled into both sides. Sliding doors allow the kitchen to be opened up to an outdoor grilling and dining area. Overhead, a 17-foot-deep overhang defines the outdoor living spaces before turning upward to wrap around the primary suite, which appears perched on the southeast corner of the residence.
Finished with the same reclaimed long-leaf pine as the floors, the stairs are bathed in light from a clerestory window. On the ground floor, the staircase frames a corridor that leads to the children’s bedrooms and guest quarters. Upstairs, the primary suite embraces a palette of gray leather, rich walnut, and dark basalt. The primary bedroom opens up to a private balcony, while the shower features a large window screened by hanging pecan boughs.
PROJECT
River Hills Residence
LOCATION
Austin, Texas
SCOPE
New Construction
AWARDS
Design Award, Texas Society of Architects
PHOTOGRAPHY
Casey Dunn, Paul Finkel