Respect but Modify: Home Remodel Defines Zones in Dark and Light Tones

• Create two separate zones: one for living and socializing, the other for work, concentration, and sleeping

• Respect the existing home, maintaining the building’s discrete rooms while altering their character

This remodel and addition transformed a dilapidated 1927 bungalow in the Austin, Texas, neighborhood of Travis Heights into a bi-nuclear house, which splits the home into two zones—one for fun, one for function—in two different tones, one dark (new construction) and one light (the existing home). The two zones are joined by a glassy entryway. New windows and skylights provide plenty of openness, while a sleek, modern design gives the impression of wide space. With sustainability in mind, the home’s design takes solar orientation and cross ventilation into account, and includes a rainwater collection system. It also reuses lumber from the original home in shiplap accent walls, countertops made from long-leaf pine beams, and split cedar entry steps. 

The judges liked the use of dual buildings to create a dialogue between the two structures. One judge said that the contrast between the two forms “makes me see the building in front in a completely new way.” The judges also praised the team's efforts toward sustainability.