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
Publications: Architizer- Alligator Creek Prairie Preserve
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
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.
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
With a majestic lot overlooking downtown Austin, a permeable strategy was employed for this multifamily complex. By dematerializing the house, not only are there more unobstructed views of the city, but passive cooling and natural light are allowed to penetrate deeper into spaces. Flower and vegetable gardens occupy the resultant outdoor ground level spaces while a shaded roof deck makes al fresco dining or quiet reading possible.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: Unbuilt
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
A second story geometric volume spans two ground floor cubes resulting in a 28’ clear span veranda. Perfect for al fresco dining or taking a respite from the hot Texas sun beside the pool, this area blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. An iridescent stainless steel entry offers a nod to the wild peacocks roaming the neighborhood. Large, strategically placed glass openings allow light in while providing privacy between the main and guest house.
Location: Austin, Texas
Year: Unbuilt
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
Featured on:
Houzz
Cool House Tour 2013
Modern Homes Tour
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
