Texas, USA
Located between Austin’s Seaholm District and Shoal Creek, The Independent rises 688 feet and currently holds the title of the tallest tower in Austin. The tower has 363 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms that incorporate a range of floor plans offering unique views and spatial qualities to residents. A 30-foot cantilever suspends the 34th-floor amenity deck over the city. The floor-to-ceiling glass window wall was made possible by removing most structural elements from the perimeter, allowing for unimpeded 360-degree views protected by Austin’s Capitol View Corridor.
The Independent by Rhode Partners won a Future House Award 2025 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and Global Design News.
Residential tiers push and pull to cantilever four distinct blocks. This dynamic form is achieved by sliding and mirroring floor plates about a central core. The mirroring of the floor plates was a result of the owner’s programmatic requirements to provide a diversity of unit orientations with the same floor plan.
The sustainable building was awarded with LEED Gold recognition and employed a detailed BIM-based energy model during the design process. The project is net energy neutral a significant portion of the year due to the efficient HVAC system, regenerative elevator system, and other energy-saving measures in the building like low-emitting interior finishes and reduced drywall by employing exposed, locally-sourced fly-ash concrete. This sophisticated use of exposed structure is combined with a refined material palette. Walnut and white oak bring warmth to amenity spaces and luxury jewel-toned furniture celebrates color. The tower offers two entire floors of competitive and luxury condo amenities spanning 20,000 square feet. From an elegant board room to a playful dog lounge, this project connects residents from 58 floors with programmatic variance across 12 different amenity spaces. Each common area features commissioned art, statement pieces, and built-in furnishings that elevate residential living with museum-influenced design.
The Independent is designed to capture imagination and activate Austin’s skyline.
Architects: Rhode Partners
General Contractor: Balfour Beatty, Inc.
Client: Aspen Heights Partners and CIM Group, Inc.
Photographers: Nick Simonite, Jason O’Rear, and Patrick Wong
