Back Alley

01_Back Alley_Cuppett Kilpatrick Architecture and Interior Design_austin-tx-contemporary-guesthouse-alleyway-batten-siding.jpg

contractor: duckworth custom homes
photographer: whit preston

awards

AIA Austin Design Award, 2015

AIA Austin Homes Tour, 2015

In the effort to curb suburban sprawl, Austin is encouraging urban density. The home-owner of a Historic Clarksville home decided to take advantage of their large hilltop lot and central location by building a small, vertical house, hidden away on their back alley. Within walking and biking distance to downtown it provides the perfect spot for visitors (the couple’s adult children) wanting to partake of Austin’s urban scene.

Within the context of the Historic house along with power polls, cedar fences, and trash cans, the structure wanted to be a blending of modest materials, friendly and secondary to the main house and rugged enough for the service alley.

Cedar fence boards aligned with painted board and batten siding skin the building. A roof deck on top affords sweeping views of the adjacent skyline. A second floor dormer window tucked into a bed nook, speaks to the kitchen window of the original house. Two bays of parking serve the main house while a third can be transformed to a ground level covered porch; space created and dialog between the two structures provides the perfect venue for backyard parties.

“It’s very accomplished. I love the simple play of the board and batten siding; the interplay between very common materials elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.”

-juror Wendell Burnette, FAIA

This guest house features a multifunctional natural wood facade that serves both as a partial privacy screen on the first floor and as a guardrail on the observation deck. This dual-purpose wooden structure is designed with vertical slats, allowing l

The observation deck is positioned strategically to shelter an outdoor second-floor patio. The tower, clad in vertical slat wood, extends above the white board and batten siding of the main structure, creating a striking contrast and a sense of depth

This guest house has a striking architectural composition of two distinct volumes. The lower volume is enveloped in white board and batten siding, grounding the structure with a classic, clean aesthetic. Above, the second volume is articulated with v

This guest house's two principal volumes are harmoniously integrated within its residential context. The first volume is defined by its clean, white board and batten siding, grounding the structure with a classic aesthetic. Above, the second volume c

The guest house exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, with a focus on the clean lines and alignments that amplify its modern design. A metal staircase ascends to the second-level patio, which is shaded by the observation deck above, offering both for

The stair leading to the second-floor patio is clearly visible, with its wooden treads offering a warm contrast against the steel stringers, epitomizing a fusion of industrial and natural design elements. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in th

This detailed perspective of the stairway features a metal handrail that aligns with the open risers of the wooden staircase. The design choice of open risers enhances the lightness and modernity of the structure, while also allowing for light to pas

The second-floor deck of the guest house is a functional outdoor space that is sheltered by the observation deck above. The deck floor consists of wood planks that provide a natural and inviting foundation. A single, modern chair paired with a round

This compact and stylish kitchenette blends functionality with modern design. The space is well-organized, with flat panel cabinetry in a soft grey finish offering ample storage without overwhelming the room. Above the lower cabinets, an open wooden

This office space is characterized by its minimalist design, clean lines, and ample natural light. The room features a simple white desk paired with a modern olive-green chair, which adds a subtle pop of color to the monochromatic palette. On the rig

The guest bedroom embodies a modern aesthetic with its uncluttered design and neutral color palette. Natural light floods the space through the large, strategically placed windows, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The room is anchored by a

The kitchen sink area of the main house is framed by a grand window setup, offering a panoramic view of the courtyard and the guest house beyond. The windows are designed with a rich, dark framework that contrasts beautifully with the light-colored w

The main house demonstrates classic charm with its traditional architecture. The home presents a symmetrical facade, anchored by a welcoming front porch flanked by a series of white columns. The porch is an inviting space with comfortable seating, pe