Hill Country View
The owners of this West Austin home may have one of the better views in Austin but, unfortunately, the outdoor living spaces were not living up to the site’s potential. At the main level of the house and existing view deck and covered spaces needed to be expanded, updated and rebuilt, while below the house—down the hill—an existing terrace and spa area needed to be completely reconceived and rebuilt.
In addition to certain structural issues, the existing view decks were warped and tired and in need of replacement. A roof at a covered porch was too shallow, not providing enough shade for the interior or enough space for desired seating—all of which made it difficult for the owners to make full use of the space.
In order to gain more sun protection, the porch roof directly off of the living quarters was completely removed and a deeper, cypress-finished, outward-facing gable roof was constructed with a hidden steel beam inside the gable end. The open gable allows for more view of the distant horizon from the interior, while still providing needed shade. Porch columns were clad with slate tile and cultured limestone. The same design vocabulary was used for the refinishing of second covered porch with a slightly different roof design. New artisan-crafted light fixtures and furnishings complete the spaces.
The old deck was replaced with composite decking with hidden fasteners. It was also extended out and new stadium seating was built at its outer edge. With this new stepped seating, the new steel cable guard railing was thereby lowered, allowing for an unimpeded view from the upper portions of the deck.
At the lower terrace, existing flagstone had failed and was removed along with the existing stair and spa. The curved new stair begins in the new composite decking but transitions into Lueder’s limestone at the terrace. Geometries and stone playfully interact in the elliptical patio terrace and the circular spa surround with its stepped planter. Oklahoma flagstone, Lueder’s flagstone and ‘Nicotine’ limestone wall veneer add variety, color and textural interest at this lower terrace.
Due to the location of the house, getting materials to the construction site became challenging at times, especially when getting materials to the spa level. To allow crews access to the job site, a “highway” was carved out of the trees and shrubbery. When the project was completed the owners in filled the space with fresh, native plantings, erasing traces of the enormous effort that had been required.
The real beauty for the clients is how seamless the new project fits in with the home and its scenic surroundings. The natural materials used and the new landscaping bring the entire look together. Now, with the new extended sun roofs, extended viewing deck and new spa area, the clients can truly enjoy and appreciate the beautiful view and landscape surrounding their home.
In addition to certain structural issues, the existing view decks were warped and tired and in need of replacement. A roof at a covered porch was too shallow, not providing enough shade for the interior or enough space for desired seating—all of which made it difficult for the owners to make full use of the space.
In order to gain more sun protection, the porch roof directly off of the living quarters was completely removed and a deeper, cypress-finished, outward-facing gable roof was constructed with a hidden steel beam inside the gable end. The open gable allows for more view of the distant horizon from the interior, while still providing needed shade. Porch columns were clad with slate tile and cultured limestone. The same design vocabulary was used for the refinishing of second covered porch with a slightly different roof design. New artisan-crafted light fixtures and furnishings complete the spaces.
The old deck was replaced with composite decking with hidden fasteners. It was also extended out and new stadium seating was built at its outer edge. With this new stepped seating, the new steel cable guard railing was thereby lowered, allowing for an unimpeded view from the upper portions of the deck.
At the lower terrace, existing flagstone had failed and was removed along with the existing stair and spa. The curved new stair begins in the new composite decking but transitions into Lueder’s limestone at the terrace. Geometries and stone playfully interact in the elliptical patio terrace and the circular spa surround with its stepped planter. Oklahoma flagstone, Lueder’s flagstone and ‘Nicotine’ limestone wall veneer add variety, color and textural interest at this lower terrace.
Due to the location of the house, getting materials to the construction site became challenging at times, especially when getting materials to the spa level. To allow crews access to the job site, a “highway” was carved out of the trees and shrubbery. When the project was completed the owners in filled the space with fresh, native plantings, erasing traces of the enormous effort that had been required.
The real beauty for the clients is how seamless the new project fits in with the home and its scenic surroundings. The natural materials used and the new landscaping bring the entire look together. Now, with the new extended sun roofs, extended viewing deck and new spa area, the clients can truly enjoy and appreciate the beautiful view and landscape surrounding their home.
Project Year: 2013
Country: United States
Zip Code: 78746
