On a compact lot less than one-tenth of an acre, a 1987 two-story became a 21st century three-story with the addition of a top floor master bedroom and an adjacent deck. But the homeowners — whose goal was to maximize the outstanding views from the 2,540-square-foot home — wanted more.
“The rooftop deck that we added is actually on top of the master,” says Kim Power, AIA, partner at architectural firm Dick Clark + Associates of Austin. The firm did a complete exterior renovation for previous clients in 2007. The current owners desired “more entertaining space for guests. The rooftop deck is an extra special spot. A real wow factor.” It also required extra special access, so Power designed open riser stairs that echoed materials and design accents used elsewhere in the home to tie it all together.
Outdoor living is essential to the empty nester couple who had moved from a larger property but still wanted the ability to move freely inside and out. The second-story balcony features an outdoor dining area off the main indoor living area, with decking made of Ipé (pronounced e-pay) wood, “the same really stable tropical hardwood used on the home’s exterior walls,” says Power.
Designer Vickee Byrum of Yellow Door Design in Austin adds that the balcony dining area “takes the place of a formal dining room indoors.” Working with landscape designer Bill Roberts, she also crafted sophisticated outdoor spaces off the second floor for conversation, relaxing and “a place for the husband to play his guitar.” Lueders limestone, hand cut on site in three colors, provide a neutral base for Byrum’s “less is more” approach, with one seating area featuring Fibonacci Ava lounge chairs from Janus et Cie in outdoor woven rattan, side table from Dedon and a striking Marubachi fountain from Stone Forest carved from solid blocks of basalt. Two Dedon Mbrace lounge chairs with ottoman offer a second seating area at the other end of the same patio. “Because of the small square footage, everything placed there is very intentional, to make sure it’s going to be used. It’s very Zen.”
For those non-Zen moments, the rooftop deck is unquestionably the shining star, and Byrum had fun with it. “I chose a gorgeous coral fabric from Dedon for the outdoor cushions and pillows on the custom-built U-shaped furniture toward the back of the deck.” She added two more Fibonacci chairs “for additional ambiance and seating.” The best place to be for a view from the top.
ARCHITECT Dick Clark + Associates
512-472-4980 | www.dcarch.com
DESIGNER Yellow Door Design
512-423-5230 | www.yellowdoordesign.com