West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman

West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Windows, BedroomWest Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Table, ChairWest Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Garden, CourtyardWest Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Image 5 of 24West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - More Images+ 19

Text description provided by the architects. On a densely tree-covered site in the Austin, Texas exurb of West Lake Hills, Specht Harpman was tasked with the renovation and expansion of a modest 1970's house. Much of the original internal structure was maintained, but the alterations sought to erase all visible traces of the original house.

West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Windows, Lighting, Door, Chair, Beam
© Casey Dunn

The primary goal of the new renovation and expansion was to preserve all of the site’s large twisting Live Oak trees while creating a new and open home that embraces the landscape and weaves itself around the existing trees.

West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Image 5 of 24
© Scott Specht

The primary mass of the house was lifted off the ground plane by creating a series of masonry walls that extend across the site to form interior and exterior rooms that frame views with the Live Oak trees beyond. The walls define family spaces on the lower level, while supporting a “floating box” of bedroom and private spaces above.

West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman - Lighting, Windows, Handrail
© Taggart Sorensen

Ceilings of the existing house were low. For the expansion spaces, the ceiling plane was maintained, but the floor was lowered to follow the contours of the site, creating a terraced interior landscape that gives height to rooms while maintaining a modest exterior expression.

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Project location

Address:Austin, Texas

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "West Lake Hills Residence / Specht Harpman" 24 Aug 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/265765/west-lake-hills-residence-specht-harpman> ISSN 0719-8884

© Casey Dunn

西湖山的住所 / Specht Harpman

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