Austin, Texas, USA
Alex Finnel and Dan Fields from Ravel Architecture configured this new house to nearby Austin as a boomerang to accentuate the natural curvature of the land.
The man’s idea was to design a single-floor home on a lot with an extreme slope and position the home to take advantage of canyon and downtown views.
The home perches at the brow of the hill in order to maximize the site’s 180-degree view of the Texas canyon.
Canyon views are enjoyed from every room in this incomparable home.
The street side of the house includes high walls to provide privacy while allowing plenty of light.
The canyon side of the home boasts floor-to-ceiling glass that beckons the City of Austin beyond.
On the western side, high walls lined with clerestory windows create a buffer between the busy adjacent road while balancing light throughout the day.
On the eastern side, double-insulated floor-to-ceiling windows open the interior living space to the panoramic city and canyon views, while overflow parking and a covered entrance allow convenient guest access.
A board-formed retaining wall was placed in order to terrace the site for access.
The retaining wall was made taller than necessary so as to become the main demising wall of the home.
One side of the retaining wall is a driveway and pedestrian access, the other side is the home, held up on piers as tall as 30 feet.
Inside, the home is separated into northern and southern wings, united at its central joint with an insulated covered porch that looks out to the east.
The northern wing features a communal living space with a command-center kitchen, and a secluded master suite with a seating area, spa-like double vanity and shower, and private deck access.
To the south, a gallery hallway with three guest suites, a private den, and a kitchenette opens into a covered deck—perfect for poolside lounging.
Designed with durable, elemental materials like white oak and Venetian plaster, this home will be anchored to its surrounding environment for decades to come.
Project: The High House
Architects: Ravel Architecture
Interior Designers: Kopicki Design
General Contractor: Parkside Homes
Client: Private
Photographers: Chase Daniel
