Bonham Terrace

Austin, Texas

Building area: 5,000 sf / 5-bed / 5.5 bath

This net-zero energy home is nestled within the historic central Austin neighborhood, Travis Heights, known for its small-scale cottage homes. It's designed to blend well with its surroundings yet stand out amongst its neighbors. The outside is organized around a pool deck, with the kitchen, living, dining, and guest suite wrapping two sides. Inside features tall living spaces beside an open hall with a wooden soffit and large glazed openings. A central staircase leads up to the master suite and additional bedrooms with ensuite baths. The stairs continue up to a large private rooftop terrace with views through the tree canopy of downtown Austin.

A small glass and wood entry bridge the two main components of the site: the primary residence and a secondary wing containing the garage and guest suite. The smaller guest suite, with a peaked roof, is pushed toward the street and houses an office and the garage, which are covered in natural wood. The main two-story wing is finished in hand-molded brick from Mexico, a material that mirrors the natural texture of the live oak trees that surround the property. This section serves as the building's functional core and features a large photovoltaic array for energy balance. The two forms reduce the scale of the home and reference the shapes of the existing houses around them.

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