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: Costa Rica
Year: 2017
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: Patrick Y Wong
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 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.
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
Reclaimed wood from a local barn defines the genius loci of this Austin bicycle shop. As a retail and service shop, this interior fit-out is characterized by clean, efficient, open space.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2015
This multifamily project in west Austin is defined by two archetypal gabled forms. These staggered, cedar clad volumes respond to the unique site conditions by accommodating a large protected Pecan tree. While one unit encircles this majestic tree and creates an intimate, shaded courtyard, the other uses a large sliding glass door to maximize the connection to the backyard. An extruded picture window at the front of each unit includes a built-in daybed.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2017
The creative configuration of buildings on this urban infill lot provides housing for three generations. The duplex was built for the parents, while the owner and her young son live behind the duplex in an Airstream trailer. Both units feel larger because of abundant natural light and generous screened porches.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: 2013
Awards:
Austin Modern Homes Tour
Cool House Tour
Publications:
Culture Map Austin
The Austinot
Limiting site constraints dictated many of the design decisions for this courtyard house. A pool is woven between two wings of the house, acting more like an outdoor room than an object in the landscape. The muxarabi entrance door defines the threshold into the private, secluded world of the inner court. Large glass patio doors in the living room borrow space from the exterior to give this modest sized house a substantially larger feel. A balcony off the master bedroom overlooks the pool and courtyard.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: Unbuilt
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
