Hillside<br/> — Cuppett Kilpatrick Architecture + Interior Design

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hillside

interior design: cuppett kilpatrick
general contractor: wilmington-gordon
photographer: whit preston

awards

AIA Austin Design Award, 2016

The site is a one acre, narrow slice of hillside just blocks above bustling South Congress Ave with tree top views of downtown. Rocks and native vegetation envelope the property, consistent with the casual, un-manicured character of its neighborhood.

Aside from the opportunities presented by a narrow sloping site, the largest character defining parameter for the house was the dichotomy of owner interests: he, a musician, internet entrepreneur who wanted a modern box with views to downtown and she, a yoga practicing mid-wife who wanted a barn with animals. Solving simultaneously the response to the site and client, the solution embraces and exploits the depth and slope of the land.

From street level, one climbs a stair through a stone plinth to an elevated terrace captured by the house, screened porch and a grove of Live Oaks. Only the screened porch projects out from the slender block to capture prevailing breeze and afford uninterrupted views through the site.

At the center of the home, the wall between dining and screened porch opens to provide true outdoor living. The dining room’s double height interior volume draws fresh air up and through the house. This functioning solar chimney combined with wide deep overhangs enable passive cooling through temperate seasons.

The material palette was chosen with owner interests and neighborhood context in mind. Exterior slurried stone and rustic, shou sugi ban siding melt comfortably into the overgrown landscape along Hillside Avenue while thin steel details and large expanses of glazing cater to more modern sensibilities. So too on the inside, slick white walls contrast with v-groove millwork and quilt- inspired tile installations.

The result is a composition of buildings which reinforce a camp-like aesthetic gathered around heritage live oaks. Both modern and rustic the house celebrates the “spirit of its place.”

This modern residential structure showcases a fusion of materials and textures, harmonizing with its natural surroundings. The building's facade combines the natural presence of limestone at its base with vertically oriented, weathered wood siding, c

This detail-oriented photograph captures the underside of the home's large overhang. The image is a study in materiality and engineering, highlighting the gutter system that lines the edge of the structure's eave. The gutter, characterized by its cyl

The focus is a rectangular swimming pool bordered by a dark grey composite deck that provides a stark contrast to the water's deep blue. To the right, turquoise sun loungers offer a pop of color and a relaxing spot to enjoy the setting. The home feat

Viewed from within, this image captures a screened porch that exemplifies seamless indoor-outdoor living. The porch is framed with dark wood, matching the exposed beams above, contributing to a structural aesthetic. Tongue and groove decking underfoo

This balcony scene highlights the textured detail of weathered wood siding, presenting a backdrop of pronounced grain patterns and a nuanced grey palette. The aging process of the wood is evident, contributing to the material's rustic charm. A singul

This kitchen embodies a bright, airy atmosphere achieved through a high open volume and large windows that invite abundant natural light. The space is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a sleek, white countertop that extends to form a gu

This kitchen and dining area is defined by its clean, geometric lines and an open-plan layout that emphasizes spaciousness and flow. The dining space is centered around a wooden table with a mix of chairs that add a subtle eclectic touch. Simple pend

This open riser staircase bathed in natural light from a skylight above, emphasizes the clean lines and modern design of the home. The stair treads are crafted from wood, offering a warm contrast to the stark white walls and railing. A colorful, vert

This well-lit hallway exhibits a sense of openness and flow. A striking, oversized artwork graces the left wall, providing a burst of color. The hallway extends towards a room with an art piece centered on the door. The right side of the hallway is m

In this bedroom, the generous corner window frames a tree-filled view, establishing a connection with nature. A large abstract painting on the right adds artistic depth and a touch of color that is both subtle and dynamic. The room is furnished with

This bathroom features a classic freestanding bathtub with ornate claw feet, paired with a modern floor-mounted tub filler. The wall behind the tub is tiled with white tiles arranged in a distinctive pattern accented with red squares, adding a playfu

This is a top-down view of the dining area from the double-height space. The area is defined by natural wood flooring and a large dining table. The screen porch is connected to the dining area, accessible through expansive folding glass doors that en

This screened porch is defined by its architectural craftsmanship, featuring exposed dark beams and a tongue-and-groove ceiling that contrasts with the light wood floor. The space is centered around a wood-burning fireplace with cream-colored firebri

This close-up showcases a wood-burning fireplace set into a limestone wall with a distinct slurried texture that gives it a historic appearance. The fireplace, with its clean lines, allows the natural beauty of the cream-colored firebrick and the lim

Captured at dusk, this residence features a striking blend of materials. The upper volume is clad in weathered wood siding, providing a textured, grey patina that stands in stark contrast to the smooth, cream-colored limestone wall beneath. The geome