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.
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.
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.
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.
Go to Michael Hsu Workplace of Structure’s web site for extra data.
Pictures by Chase Daniel.
