Interiors by Laura Britt Design

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

The initial idea for the Cascading Creek was conceived as an outgrowth of the limestone and aquifers of the Central Texas geography. The roof structure is configured to create a natural basin for the collection of rainwater, not unlike the vernal pools found in the outcroppings of Enchanted Rock. These roof-basins harness additional natural flows through the use of photovoltaic and solar hot-water panels. The water, electricity and heat which are harvested on the roof tie into an extensive climate conditioning system which utilizes water source heat pumps and radiant loops to supply both the heating and cooling for the residence.

The primary formal gesture of the project consists of two long native limestone walls pushed into the site. The walls serve as the boundary of domesticated space with the vegetation outbound of these walls being native while the interior spaces are more lush and tropical. The program of the residence is split into public and private wings with the offset between the main wings establishing an exterior courtyard that serves as an extended living space for much of the year. The siting of the boundary walls and building elements was informed by the presence and preservation of three mature trees.

Cascading Creek House is featured on the cover of the Spring 2012 issue of Luxe Magazine and in the Spring 2012 issue of Austin Home Magazine.

Photography by Paul Bardagjy

The project begins with a 1980’s home-builder house fronting on Lake Austin. The original design did not harness views to the lake and Mount Bonnell, nor did it respect the ecological sensitivity of its site. The challenge was to develop a sensitive and inventive result out of a pre-existing condition. Through the use of glass, steel, detailing and light the home has been adaptively reinvented. Reflection, translucency, color and geometry conspire to bring natural light deep into the house. A new solarium, pool, and green roof are tuned to interact with the natural context. Exterior materials and refined detailing of the roof structure give the volume clean lines and a bold presence, while abstracting the form of the original dormers and gable roof.

Photography by Paul Bardagjy

Photography by Ryan Goodrich

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by: Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours

Photography by Twist Tours