Nestled in the hills of Austin, Texas, this home is distanced from the adjacent urban context thanks to sweeping views of hill country. Close enough to get downtown, yet a world away. It was one of the few remaining vacant lots in the area and completely overgrown with invasive cedar (ash juniper) everywhere. The owners hired local builder Roost Custom Homes to work through the challenges and code restrictions (not to mention rattlesnakes!) of this steeply sloped, heavily wooded, 2-acre site to construct their dream home. It takes creative and tenacious experts to build in Austin these days. This home proves it’s worth it!
Over email, David Hernandez and Chad Watkins of ROOST and interior designer Christina Cole of Christina Cole and Co. told us more.
Okay, first – this is obviously a challenging lot. How did you navigate the locational hurdles?
Lots of planning. Although the property is nearly 2 acres, due to local building restrictions the house had to be placed “just so” on the site. Getting just the right orientation on the lot to maximize privacy and views was paramount to the clients. Roost Custom Homes worked with the architect extensively using drones and sun studies to ensure we knew what those lines of site would be before we ever broke ground.
We did extensive clearing and grading to make the sloped lot as usable as possible for the owners including maintaining access to the shared network of mountain biking trails at the bottom of the valley.
Tell us about the clients. What were their hopes and dreams with the build?
The homeowners were heavily influenced by the restorative culture and lifestyle of the west coast, in which they previously resided. The homeowners’ interest in local vernacular strongly informed the curation of furniture and accessories. Each space is accentuated by custom pieces from various artists and designers, many of which are local Austinites, or artisans based in the United States. Featured works include Adrienne Romine from Half Halt, Danny Kaplan Studio, and Thomas Hayes Studio.
How would you describe the home’s style?
The interior design combines discreet luxury with a humble, restrained palette. Natural materials are complemented by subtle patterns, textures, and geometries that facilitate an atmosphere of calm and retreat. Light spills in through large windows, washing the bone-colored plaster walls and highlighting the silhouettes of everyday objects that create a home.
Do you have a favorite space?
The kitchen remains as the hearth of the project, boasting a traditional architecture that complements the modern use of materials and detailing. Private spaces are emboldened with accent tones and textures that bring serenity to each room.
