38th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour
Our Seattle team visited our Austin office for the 38th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour. We had a fun few days exploring the city, enjoying delicious food, viewing beautiful projects during the tour, and meeting many talented individuals in our industry.
Here are the exciting projects and architects involved in the event.
Bridle Path
From the outset, the clients were captivated by the Bridle Path property. Nestled on a spacious lot, the charming yet distinctly outdated split-level residence was enveloped by lush trees and included a quaint accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at the rear. Instead of opting for a complete demolition, the project aimed to honor the home’s 1950s charm while introducing modern elements. By employing strategic design choices, such as a thoughtful realignment of wall heights and fascia, the home underwent a remarkable transformation with minimal intervention. This approach emphasized multifunctional spaces, repurposed the carport, and seamlessly blended the old with the new, preserving the neighborhood’s character.
Photo: AIA Austin
Bryker Woods
The Bryker Woods Residence, designed for the owners of Hunt Architecture, exemplifies how smaller spaces can make a significant impact. After four years on their lot, they relocated a 1941 bungalow and created a new 2,040-square-foot home to complement an existing 400-square-foot rear studio. The single-story design features a blend of gable and flat roofs, clad in brick and vertical cedar siding, harmonizing with the historic neighborhood while offering a modern aesthetic. A central spine, accentuated by a large skylight, delineates public and private areas, maximizing utility and comfort for their young family and thriving business—all within close proximity.
Photo: AIA Austin
City Park
The City Park Residence gracefully nestles along a lush slope, offering breathtaking views of downtown Austin and the iconic Pennybacker Bridge. This striking home elegantly rejuvenates an area once marred by a demolished structure, appearing as a modest one-story design at first glance. A cascading garden flows down to a serene covered terrace featuring a pool and expansive lawns, where nature’s beauty can be fully appreciated. The exterior melds profiled wood and native stone, harmonizing with the warmth of mahogany window walls. Inside, innovative wood and steel elements create functional millwork and sculptural details, enhancing the focus on the stunning natural landscape.
Photo: AIA Austin
Daniel Drive
The Daniel Drive Residence is a contemporary interpretation of the shotgun layout, paying tribute to the owner’s Louisiana heritage and the property’s elongated shape. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a formal sitting room that leads into a central vestibule, creating a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area, and sitting space. A U-shaped, tiered retaining wall connects the principal suite and pool, with the bedroom offering picturesque views of the waterline. The design features soaring ceilings reaching up to 13 feet and extensive glazing that enhance the sense of space. A stunning floating steel staircase leads to an expansive screened porch with breathtaking views of downtown Austin.
Photo: AIA Austin
Double Duty
Tucked away behind a charming 1940s house in historic East Austin, the Double Duty residence is designed to maximize space while maintaining a sense of openness. With soaring ceilings and strategic outdoor views, the home’s main axis leads to a cozy window seat that overlooks a tranquil backyard framed by neighboring pecan trees. Contemporary shed roofs echo the gables of nearby homes, adding a modern twist. Catering to the dynamic lifestyle of urban Austinites, the residence features versatile spaces that easily transition from living to working areas. A prioritized screened porch invites immersion in the vibrant neighborhood, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living through expansive glass doors.
Photo: AIA Austin
Hartford
This charming 1932 home in Old West Austin underwent a thoughtful architectural transformation aimed at enhancing flow and adding functional living space while preserving its historic character. The design team opted for a single-story, 483-square-foot addition that features a new primary bedroom suite and a laundry/mudroom, seamlessly incorporating salvaged bricks from the original rear facade for the new mudroom entrance and outdoor fireplace. The revamped layout addresses prior challenges with furniture placement and accessibility, creating inviting gathering areas and optimizing floor space. A large kitchen island with bar seating invigorates the area, while new windows offer views of the backyard and a cozy screened porch.
Photo: AIA Austin
OFFbeat
OFFbeat is a contemporary residence that breathes new life into a derelict 1930s cottage, artfully situated on a uniquely shaped lot in the heart of Austin. Owned by a retired couple, this whimsical home is elevated above a sloping landscape and nestled between two live oaks. It features a striking steel and wood carport, a screened porch, and an impressive 28-foot cantilevered concrete bench, along with rich cypress details crafted from reclaimed wood. The design harmonizes with Austin’s urban forest, incorporating room-sized terraces and a curved metal roof that cleverly nods to the original cottage’s charm, all while celebrating the asymmetric beauty of its interior.
Photo: AIA Austin
Post Oak
The Post Oak Residence, a newly designed home just south of downtown Austin, caters to empty nesters seeking a blend of vibrant gatherings and tranquil retreats. This compact structure, positioned thoughtfully against the property’s rear boundary, surrounds a central courtyard that enhances outdoor living. The welcoming entrance features an open-air structure with a two-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch. A striking two-story dining porch, complete with a steel-louvered screen, offers shade and privacy for second-floor bedrooms. The aesthetic combines rugged board-formed concrete with sleek steel and smooth stucco, while warm walnut and earthy tones create inviting, loft-like interiors perfect for both socializing and relaxation.
Photo: AIA Austin
Sundown
Originally conceived in the 1980s by renowned architect Robert Renfro, Sundown challenges conventional design standards. Nestled on a secluded hillside alongside a peaceful stream and ravine, its recent renovation gracefully harmonizes with the surroundings, celebrating the essence of renewal. Embracing post-modernist principles, the owners emphasized individuality and a deep connection to nature during the revitalization, meticulously preserving the original vision while incorporating modern comforts and advancements. Sundown stands as a testament to architectural heritage, seamlessly blending contemporary living with the enduring allure of its landscape. This residence epitomizes an urban retreat, connecting the past, present, and the timeless beauty of its environment.
Photo: AIA Austin
