yinjispace

ARCHITECTURE
Alterstudio Architecture
INTERIOR
Alterstudio Architecture
LANDSCAPE
Hocker
PHOTOGRAPHY
Casey Dunn
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

Perched along a verdant slope overlooking downtown Austin, the City Park Residence by Alterstudio Architecture is delicately interwoven into the rugged beauty of its surroundings. In a dramatic panorama, the rolling hills of western Austin frame the urban skyline with the iconic Pennybacker Bridge in a picturesque mid-ground.

Suspended in dynamic tension between these extravagant views and the intimacy of a private court, the constant allure of the spectacular is counterbalanced by grounded elements that offer moments of pause and embrace.

The front entry is characteristic of cinematic framing devices employed throughout. Visitors are first offered hints of the forthcoming views, and approach via a bridge that skirts mature oak trees to gracefully span a reimagined topography that elegantly repairs the landscape scar left by the demolition of its predecessor, years prior.

Once inside, the upper level unfolds in a u-shaped plan, with a service wing that segues into a public dining and living zone, where floor-to-ceiling glazing invites the outside in, to culminate in an access balcony that fully reveals the extraordinary vista. A sloping garden descends below to a covered, breezy terrace, with pool, lawn, and further views beyond.

Profiled wood and native stone complement the warmth of mahogany window walls at the exterior. Inside, dexterous wood and steel form functional millwork and sculptural details that minimize quotidian visual noise to refocus on the dramatic natural surroundings.

The home’s 7,600 square feet of conditioned space exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainability centered around hybrid energy strategies that leverage natural features of its site, and biophilic design elements that promote occupant well-being. Prevailing winds are channeled through a breezeway at the lower level and up through distinctive roof apertures above the upper-level balconies. The extensive glazing maximizes daylight while deep eaves and solar shades minimize unwanted heat gains.

Active environmental controls complement the passive, including a VRF HVAC system with MERV 13 filtration and high-efficiency luminaires. This net-positive home also utilizes a large photovoltaic array, hybrid electric hot water, and an advanced building envelope with continuous exterior insulation to far exceed baseline energy and air quality standards.

The 4 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home was also designed with future use in mind, as an heirloom to be passed down within the family, but one that can evolve with the inhabitants’ changing needs. As the clients are a retired couple, all primary living spaces are arranged along with the garage on the main level to facilitate aging in place. Offices are also designed to become bedrooms while bathroom access can be reconfigured for the needs of subsequent children and grandchildren.

Additionally, a safe room provides shelter in case of a tornado or other weather emergency. These design features and environmental control strategies not only support the current everyday physical comfort of the occupants but will continue to do so over time, as well as enhancing resilience against increasing local environmental challenges, such as freezes, extreme heat, and power grid instabilities.

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