In the Texas hills overlooking downtown Austin sits a modern abode inspired by its natural surroundings, but with very little of the southern grandeur that adorns many homes in the Lone Star State.
The new build from the firm Alterstudio Architecture was designed for a retired couple, with the goal being that it could be passed down through their family. Because the couple is older, all of the primary living spaces sit on the main level, so that they can age in place. The current offices can also serve as bedrooms, and bathroom access can be reconfigured as needed for children and grandchildren. In total, the residence boasts four bedrooms and 6.5 baths.
The primary living spaces are all found on the upper level of the home.
Casey Dunn
To arrive at the property, you approach via a bridge framed by mature oak trees. The residence cuts a striking figure, with wood and native stone wrapping the U-shaped exterior. That’s broken up by mahogany window walls that look out on Austin’s skyline and the Pennybacker Bridge in the distance. Some of the same materials are used inside, with a large stone fireplace anchoring the main room and a bar hidden behind sliding wood doors that mimic the pattern used outside.
Beyond the doors, a balcony wraps around the upper level. And below, there’s a covered terrace for outdoor dining, a pool and spa, and an expansive lawn and landscaping courtesy of Hocker. The 7,600-square-foot residence is also climate-conscious and has incorporated design strategies meant to make the home more sustainable. As such, a breezeway on the lower level helps shepherd cooling winds, as do roof apertures on the upper balconies. In the event of any weather emergencies, a safe room is found inside for shelter.
A covered terrace, pool, and spa are all found below.
Casey Dunn
Alterstudio is well known for its award-winning homes in Austin—in fact, this abode was honored with the Design Award of Excellence at the 2024 AIA Austin Design Awards. In the past couple years, some of the firm’s other lauded projects have come to market too: An $11.8 million property with an eye-catching pool listed last year, after winning an Architecture MasterPrize in 2018. And in 2023, a five-bedroom modernist abode with a bocce court popped up with a price tag of $12.5 million.
Click here to see all the images of the Austin-area home.
Casey Dunn
Authors
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Tori Latham
Tori Latham is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. She was previously a copy editor at The Atlantic, and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter. When not…