JEWELL STREET MAIN HOUSE

Private residence
Austin, Texas
completed in 2016

This compact contemporary house was designed in tandem with the Jewell Street Guest House to provide all the spatial amenities and functionality of a much larger house in a more efficient shell.  In this South Austin neighborhood, space is at a premium and zoning regulations are strict, so it takes a creative approach to get all the puzzle pieces to fit.  By providing high ceilings, taking advantage of lots of natural light, and consolidating open spaces, this home manages to feel much larger than it is.  One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of sustainability is economy of materials, and with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in just 2,000 square feet, this house achieves that while maintaining the sense of comfort and spaciousness that modern families need.

As usual, the kitchen is the hub of the house, providing an elegant and functional centerpiece to the public space.  Polished concrete floors extend throughout the lower level to unify the space with a light and durable surface.

Upstairs, each bedroom creates its own private sanctuary, but connects to the outdoors through balconies or roof decks.  These outdoor spaces take advantage of the dappled shade of mature trees to provide a comfortable interface with nature.