One Extra Large Eastside Lot and Heritage Pecans Combine for Indoor/Outdoor Bliss
We spoke with Verde Builders Custom Homes® owner Daniel Reeves to learn more about one of our favorite projects on the 2018 Austin Modern Home Tour. Be sure to check out our Video Interview with Daniel as well!
MADS: Garden Street is perhaps a larger home than we might be used to seeing in East Austin. Did the client choose the lot, or did Verde, and how did the lot inform the construction of the home?
DR: Sometimes clients come to us with their own land, but in this case we helped our clients source the perfect lot to build their dream home. The lots close to downtown are typically smaller in size, but this one offered an opportunity of 2000+/- additional square footage to create the spacious design for their lifestyle. The lot was narrow, but fortunately offered alley access providing the space for rear garage entry and a narrow home design that fit perfectly.
MADS: Last year, Verde’s wine room was a favorite of our Tourgoers, and this house features wine storage as well, but it’s a completely different concept. Tell us about that feature please!
DR: Yes. It seems many of our clients have a love of food and wine! Gourmet kitchens have become the norm and wine rooms have become a more common luxury feature. We even add wine rooms to our larger spec homes due to their popularity. This home features a 10’ glass encased design that is the focal point the moment you walk into the home. The glass wine room sits on a corner and is fully visible from all points of entry and the great room. It is truly a functional piece of art.
Garden Street Wine Room Image: Kurt Forschen, Twist Tours
MADS: Verde seems to have a knack for inserting unexpected luxury finishes and features into their Tour homes. Has that been client driven, or is that a core Verde value?
DR: Yes, that is a core value of Verde Builders Custom Homes®. We consult with our clients throughout the build process about their lifestyle and provide ideas on features we believe will add not only add enjoyment, but value to their investment. We are a custom home builder, but we apply the same luxury craftsmanship to the spec side of our business. We often hear from the public that there is notable differentiation in our product. This makes us smile.
Garden Street Entry Image: Kurt Forschen, Twist Tours
In what ways is the Garden Street project a unique home? Were there any unusual issues or problems to be solved to make the owners’ dreams a reality?
The Garden Street home is unique because of the Super Heritage Pecan Trees. (This terminology is used by many arborists when a tree far exceeds the mandatory 19”+ in diameter protection. This home was carefully designed to capitalize on the available buildable land, while capturing the beauty of the surrounding majestic trees…its branches and canopies. We knew the space we wanted to create and the lighting effect that could be achieved. Although it is challenging navigating the City of Austin guidelines, we believe these restrictions are one of many reasons Austin remains such a beautiful city!
Garden Street Living Area Image: Kurt Forschen, Twist Tours
What else should Tougoers look for at Garden St?
The Garden Street home has exceptional indoor/outdoor flow…perfect for everyday living and entertaining. It also features a cutting-edge Ortal modern fireplace, breathtaking lighting features and an intelligent 1600 CFM Dacor downdraft range that vents to the outside of the home! We loved the idea of adding a feature to a gourmet kitchen that solves a common problem: cooking odors. This home also has a screen porch perfect for Texas evenings and various rooftop decks that make you feel like you are in a Eastside treehouse.
MA+DS thanks Verde Builders Custom Homes® for being a sponsor of the 2018 Austin Modern Home Tour.
Verde Builders Custom Homes® owner Daniel Reeves sat down in our studio to discuss his take on modern in Austin.
