The 1917 Texas Bungalow

The ability to merge the old with the new can be one of the most difficult aspects of design. Do it right and the results can be spectacular. Do it wrong and well… This bungalow in Austin, Texas by Miro Rivera Architects is a beautiful study on how to do it right. It was important to the designers that the two wings of the house spoke to each other and that they worked together to create a sympathetic and appropriate outcome and moreover that the house remained in proportion and in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood.

It was clear from the beginning that the house had a language of its own so within the original 1917 house the wood-plank walls were restored and made a feature of and the floor-plan remained unchanged, which added to the warmth and character of what became the sleeping quarters. The front door, located at the junction of the old and the new provided not only a place to welcome guests but also an important link in the house.

At the rear of the house a single large volume has been created to house all the social areas as well as the kitchen. This wing, with adjacent lap pool, is an understated response to the clients need for extra space. It is also an important connection to the outdoors and links the house to the surrounding environment.

Whether I was the client or one of their neighbours, I would be very pleased with the outcome of this project!