Great expanses

The South 5th Street residence slips discreetly into the array of eclectic bungalows that line the streets of Austin’s Bouldin neighborhood. Designed by Alterstudio Architecture, from the courtyard the house unfolds effortlessly and in several directions. A transparent living room hovers over the tumbling escarpment and through which the expansive panorama begins to become visible.

The textures of concrete, mill-finished steel and raw stucco are presented against finely detailed millwork and custom site-glazed window walls which are framed with rift-sawn white oak and steel. Great expanses of transparent glass is paired with ventilator doors that open to encourage breezes through the house. A second living area downstairs provides an intimate enclave that looks into the tree canopy and gives access to the tumbling landscape below. Upstairs perched above the trees, the master suite is filled with light and takes advantage of the valley views. Finally, the house also reaches back towards the street, cantilevering over the parking and embraces the goings on of this dynamic neighborhood.