The project presented the rare opportunity of an urban lot with striking natural beauty. The property, located in the Travis Heights neighborhood of downtown Austin, Texas, consisted of two adjoining lots occupied by a deteriorated single family residence. Each lot was to contain a duplex unit with one residence in the front and one toward the rear, resulting in a total of four dwelling units. The site was replete with mature Live Oaks and a 60’ change in topography from front to back. Live Oaks typically grow horizontally as much as vertically, making documentation of the existing trees a significant challenge.

The City of Austin maintains stringent standards for the protection of the city’s trees. Working closely with the City Arborist, a series of 40’story poles was used to both map the tree branches and to mark the intended building footprint. Additional challenges derived from satisfying zoning restrictions on building height while contending with the considerable site topography. Owing to the unique site challenges, a concrete pier and steel beam foundation was utilized allowing the team to strategically locate bearing points outside of critical tree root zones. Ultimately all trees, protected or otherwise, were saved and the topography used to maximum advantage, creatingwhat has become a tree house in the city. Addtional materials included: IG glass curtain wall; concrete floors; fiber-cement siding; corrugated metal siding; metal roofing; skylights and native Cedar decking.

Material Used :
1. Facade cladding:  
Metal siding: Corrugated steel sheet, Kynar coated, black.
Composite siding: Fiber cement boards, Hardie board, painted white.

2. Flooring:   
Site-cast concrete over structural metal-pan deck.

3. Doors:    
Exterior: Storefront metal doors with full light;
Sliders: Milgard metal patio doors with 1” IG units.
Interior: Solid core, pre-hung and pocket wood doors, painted.

4. Windows:   
Fixed: Storefront metal frame with 1” IG units;
Operable: Milgard metal frame windows set into storefront system;
Skylights: Velux fixed units ranging from 2’x2’ to 4’x4’.

5. Roofing:   
Standing seam, Galvalume metal roofing.

6. Interior lighting:  
LED, dimmable recessed 4” can lights.

7. Interior furniture:  
Refer to Laura Britt Design for interior finishes, fixtures and furniture.