THE CHALLENGE WAS INTEGRATING A NEW MODERN home design into the existing hexagon to create a cohesive building, while also addressing the heavily treed, steep sloping site. The initial concept was to convert the hexagon living space into the primary bedroom suite to take advantage of the expansive views. “We knew immediately that we wanted to remove the 1970s addition and keep the original hexagon-shaped main living area,” said architect James LaRue. “The building is elevated and is located close to the lakefront providing 180-degree views of the water.”
“The house is built using select Douglas Fir studs, which ensure a high-level of wood-frame construction, while structural steel, both concealed within walls and exposed as design elements, is employed to allow for large roof spans. The exterior materials include a locally sourced stone, metal roof and wall panels, wood soffit, and a mixture of both steel and wood windows,” explained LaRue.
Working alongside LaRue, Britt Design Group came on board to transform the interior of the outdated cabin into a serene, lakeside ranch home. The result is a stunning 4,100-square-foot, one-story Hill Country contemporary residence with four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a study and a wine room.
“The clients have a wonderful collection of art objects and furnishings they’ve collected from their travels around the world,” said Laura Britt. “Weaving their personal story into the fabric of the overall design was a fun challenge. One important element to their story is their involvement in winemaking.” The McLeans own a vineyard in Argentina, and personally select the blends and design the wine labels.
The interior design utilizes natural finishes such as white oak flooring to complement the peaceful surroundings. There is a strong connection to the outdoors with large expanses of glass. Lighting plays an important role throughout, providing a sculptural counterbalance to the home’s modern architecture.
As an important part of the homeowners’ lives, the kitchen received special attention. Custom walnut cabinetry was designed to feel more like beautifully detailed furnishings rather than a typical kitchen, complemented by an interesting Picket-Braid Pattern backsplash tile by Fireclay Tile. Countertops are Macaubas Quartzite sourced from Aria Stone Gallery.
There are hidden compost bins and a custom armoire storing coffee-making equipment. The large customdesigned island is illuminated by Synapse pendants by Apparatus. A glass front Sub Zero® refrigerator adds an extra element of interest.
The living and dining rooms share an ample space with floor-to-ceiling windows to let the amazing lake views take center stage. The living room is furnished with a Thayer Coggin sofa featuring metal wraparound detailing. The bronze statue is by Richard MacDonald, a California-based sculptor who created a well-known work for the 1996 Olympics. The 50/50 wool and silk Tree of Life rug in an abstract blue and gold colorway was sourced through Black Sheep Unique, the winning design in an Austin competition, and is full of symbolism about women, education and other issues. The art on the living room wall is by Austin artist
Andrea Pramuk.
The dining room features a steel and wood table, custom-built using wood from the original site, and handcrafted by Bryan Jobe with Classic Constructors, the builder on the project. The outdoor living space is the connector — or dogtrot — between the main house and the guest suite.
This elevated breezeway has a generous roof overhead with a warm wood soffit, which protects it from the sun and other elements. Tall glass doors slide open at one end of the living and dining rooms to connect to the broad covered patio, which is equipped with retractable screens and integrated heaters for year-round use. The fireplace is surrounded by plate steel and is a statement against the coursed smooth stone backdrop.
The breezeway opens up to the lakeside pool and connected spa, and allows access to a two-level boat dock, also designed by LaRue Architects, providing another perfect outdoor lounge space perched above the water. The successfully reimagined home
now reflects the homeowners’ unique personalities and interests with multiple living areas for enjoying their lakeside retreat both inside and out. With experienced architectural and interior design firms collaborating, it was possible to transform an outdated, challenging home into the calm oasis that the homeowners desired.
BRITT DESIGN GROUP
512-458-8963 | BrittDesignGroup.com
LARUE ARCHITECTS
512-347-1688 | LaRueArchitects.com