Michael Hsu Reimagines Austin Home for Contemporary Living


Within the coronary heart of Austin’s Travis Heights neighborhood, the afternoon solar streams via the huge north-facing glass addition of the Travis Heights Historic House by architect Michael Hsu Workplace of Structure. Mild casts geometric shadows throughout limestone flooring embedded with historical fossils – 145-million-year-old remnants of big clams that when inhabited this land, now preserved alongside Nineteenth-century horseshoes and indigenous arrowheads. This juxtaposition kinds the conceptual basis of this renovation challenge, highlighting how time and place will be interpreted.

James Gibson Swisher, Texas Ranger and signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, constructed the brick dwelling in 1851 utilizing supplies original from a kiln he constructed alongside the Colorado River. Immediately, it stands because the second oldest brick residence in Texas, its unique basis now serving as the primary flooring – a testomony to the resourcefulness of frontier craftspeople working with native sources and conventional strategies.

Modern glass and wood house surrounded by trees and a grassy field under a blue sky.

The present proprietor, pushed by a deep appreciation for Austin’s architectural heritage, approached the renovation with reverence. They wished to make certain the addition wouldn’t mimic or be confused with the uncommon unique construction, and as an alternative, it must be true to its time. This philosophy manifests within the modern glass construction that frames downtown views and creates an intimate reference to the encircling panorama.

Exterior view of a modern building with large glass windows, revealing a lit-up interior with dining and living areas. Evening setting with reflections of trees in the glass.

Modern living room with abstract wall art, a black coffee table, two beige armchairs with brown cushions, a sculptural chair, and a brass pendant light over a textured rug.

The panorama design extends onto a uncommon 1.25-acre city plot. Native gardens, a prairie roof meadow atop the cabana, and thoughtfully built-in leisure areas create a sustainable backdrop that spotlights Texas’ pure environment whereas offering modern facilities.

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, marble backsplash, built-in bench seating, round table, and bar stool. A black bowl with assorted vegetables is placed on the counter.

Modern dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, and a spiral staircase. Large windows let in natural light, highlighting the stone wall and minimalist decor.

A modern, curved staircase with white walls and a wooden handrail leads up to the second floor. Large windows provide natural light, and a stone wall adds texture.

When craftsmen found charred wooden remnants from a Nineteen Twenties attic hearth, fairly than discarding these broken components, they repurposed them as ceiling materials for the bottom flooring spa lavatory – reworking injury into design. As such, the interiors create a dialogue between totally different eras. The preserved historic sections embrace a lounge-like environment with wealthy textures and ambient illumination, whereas the trendy addition presents vibrant, ethereal areas perfect for gathering. A grand spiral staircase connects these 4 distinct ranges.

A modern, spiral staircase with a wooden handrail curves around a tall, abstract black sculpture in a minimalist, well-lit space with light streaming through a window above.

A modern interior with a curved staircase, large windows, and a view of a city skyline against a sunset. The walls are light-colored with a sconce, and there's a table with decorative items.

Bedroom with a bed, wooden nightstand, and rug. A tapestry with trees hangs above the bed. A table lamp, white carafe, and flowers are on the nightstand. Walls are light-colored.

Freestanding bathtub near a large window with a city skyline view. A small table with a candle and a hanging towel are nearby.

Go to Michael Hsu Workplace of Structure’s web site for extra data.

Pictures by Chase Daniel.

Leo Lei interprets his ardour for minimalism into his daily-updated weblog Leibal. As well as, you will discover uniquely designed minimalist objects and furnishings on the Leibal Retailer.

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