House in Trees

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contractor: j pinnelli company
photographer: paul bardagjy, dror baldinger

awards

AIA Austin Design Award, 2009

AIA Austin Homes Tour, 2007

publications

Hill Country Houses: Inspired Living in a Legendary Texas Landscape, 2014

The house sits on a heavily wooded lot that was deemed too constricted by an easement to be suitable for construction; but that feature mandated the very beauty of the place. In response, the house is narrow and deep. A high, wide, overhang supported on slender columns creates shadow; and a sun protecting wooden brise-soleil on the west side screens the house. Both features meld the structure into its context of trees and vegetation in the natural undisturbed easement. With the exception of some limestone walls, exterior materials were chosen to disappear into the landscape.

The house is Modern, but warm because of the raw materials and colors used. There is only a thin veil of separation from inside to outside and every room features windows on multiple sides. The house has many “green” qualities and is a reflection of its site.

“The screening device slices off the view just below where you would see the ground plane, so you really do feel like you’re suspended in space. It’s and incredible effect.”

-juror Reed Kroloff, Assoc AIA

This modern two-story residence is nestled among mature trees. The upper level features an extensive use of glass, with large windows, maximizing the influx of natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. A cantilevered balcony wi

The home is distinguished by a dark, flat roof that extends beyond the building's footprint, creating a large protective eave. The facade combines floor-to-ceiling glass panels with slim black frames, allowing expansive views of the exterior. The hou

The ground level is distinguished by a dark-colored lap pool running parallel to the structure, adding a reflective element to the composition. Adjacent to the pool, expansive glass windows are complemented by slender columns that contribute to the h

The upper story is characterized by a horizontal slatted wooden screen that offers both privacy and a dynamic play of light and shadow, hinting at a balcony behind it. The expansive windows are intermittently concealed by the wood slats, creating a r

The walkway to the front door ends and continues as a lap pool, mirroring the trees and sky. The door, a substantial wooden piece, if protected by an opaque wood panel that grants privacy while adding a design element of warm natural tones. Above, a

The rich wooden door is open, revealing its thickness and solid construction, inviting a glimpse into the minimalist interior space. To the left, vertical metal siding borders large glass panels that provide a view of the adjacent lap pool. The conti

The living room's focal point is a fireplace set within a textured limestone wall, where the natural stone's earthy tones are accentuated by accent cove lighting from above, adding a soft glow and highlighting the stone's texture. The fireplace's sim

This detail of a modern home's outdoor area features an elegant lap pool with an infinity edge. The pool runs the length of a narrow corridor formed by the house's parallel structures, creating a striking visual line that leads the eye toward the woo

This interior view of a living space with floor-to-ceiling windows frames the outdoors, exemplifying a design that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. The centerpiece is a modern, white wingback chair with a matching footstool, providing a

This section of the kitchen cabinetry seamlessly extends into a large, floor-to-ceiling window. The window acts as a picture frame for the view of the outdoors, featuring mature trees and dense foliage. The cabinet's dark wood finish provides a rich

This modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances and cabinetry with clean lines, providing a professional culinary environment. A gas range with red control knobs offers a pop of color against the muted tones of the metal surfaces. The kitchen

This spacious kitchen and dining area are characterized by their clean, modern lines and luxurious materials. The dark wood cabinetry adds warmth to the space, contrasting with the light limestone wall and terrazzo flooring. The kitchen is equipped w

This elegant staircase features floating wooden treads that create a sense of lightness and contemporary design. Steel rods extend from floor to ceiling, serving both as structural supports for the stair and as a guardrail, contributing to the stairc

The upper landing of the modern staircase is characterized by its open design and the striking visual of the vertical steel rods acting as a guardrail. These rods maintain a sense of spaciousness and unobstructed views across the room. A black column

This well-lit office space is characterized by modern, clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The large window provides an expansive view of the outdoors, allowing natural light to enhance the work environment and offering a natural backdrop. A text

This bedroom features a cove ceiling with integrated LED lighting, which provides a soft, indirect glow. A mid-century modern-style chair sits next to a small round table, forming a comfortable reading nook by the expansive window that offers picture

This room blends functionality with personal expression. The cove ceiling with its warm LED lighting creates an inviting ambiance. Below, a modern, clean-lined kitchenette features white cabinetry with minimalist hardware, providing practicality with