Balcones Retreat
Austin, TexasPhotography by Andrea Calo
This renovation transforms a spec house into a refined and deeply personal home. Longtime clients transitioning from an urban penthouse to a quiet neighborhood sought a home that embodied serenity and light. With a schedule that did not allow for new construction, they purchased an existing house as their foundation.
The original spaces felt harsh, unfinished and impersonal, lacking both character and proportion. . Through the layering of textures, patterns and bespoke materials within a soft tonal palette, the new design established a quiet sophistication. Tailored detailing elevates the architecture while maintaining a sense of intimacy and comfort.
The exterior renovation transformed a neglected part of the property into a defining feature. The comprehensive redesign included an outdoor kitchen and living room, the creation of a terrace with a storm bunker, retractable screens, and a collection of antique terra cotta vessels, completing the overhaul to the outdoor living.
From the kitchen to the outdoor living areas, every element contributes to a sense of comfort, refinement, and authenticity. This house is about the details and demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a generic house into a highly personal home.
“I try to create homes, not houses.”
— Louis Kahn
