[Bracketed Space] House

MF Architecture: Incorporating the site’s dynamic landscape into the daily life of its residents, the [Bracketed Space] House is designed as a meaningfully-framed procession through the property with nuanced natural lighting throughout. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature.

The courtyard scheme is simplified by the common and private wings – connected by a glass dining “bridge.” This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house.

Gingerwood: Moving downtown from the suburbs, this active family of 5 wanted to personalize their new Rollingwood home.  Tasked to make the spaces more functional and appealing to their tastes and entertaining lifestyle, the home’s finishes needed to reflect a high level of sophistication.  Their active social life dictated lots of space, ease of flow, and ultimately the creation of “the place to gather,” for their peers. The home’s modern tree-house feel was embraced in the interior design. Each room was curated with layers of textures, organic accents, and tailored comfort to complement, not compete, with the surrounding views.

Collaborations with many local artists and artisans included crafting steel, book-matched walnut pieces for the Study Murphy Bed/Shelving and Built-ins, Entry geometric shelving, custom furnishings and art.  Family living centers around the custom-designed Sofa/Bench/Side-Table/Bookcase.  The comfy sofa’s wool, channel upholstery details, and integrated walnut bookcase and vintage Thayer Coggin rocking chairs allow for gazing at the quartzite fireplace or retractable flat-screen TV which conceals behind the fireplace.  Gingerwood  juxtaposes new modern creations with priceless antiques, like the Dining Table’s Italian-marble puzzle-piece top with steel bowtie base with the 1900’s mahogany sideboard crowned by a Holly Hunt bronze wall sculpture.  Contrasting those elements is a vibrant Hallie Hamilton commissioned art on black concrete.

The Master Suite’s full-wall customized bed/nightstand feature unites knotted charcoal wool-upholstered panels with satin brass inlays, walnut cut-out bookcase and articulating sconces.  Downy warm heather grey linens and pops of fuchsia beckon beneath the coordinating satin brass LED octagonal chandelier. Each room holds its own intriguing touch, whether bold metallic wallcoverings or custom feature, all reflecting the exceptional style of this Austin executive’s dynamic family.