House Y by studio co(X)ist in Austin, Texas
Project: House Y
Architects: co(X)ist Studio
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Area: 1,936 sq ft
Photographs: Patrick Y. Wong
House Y by studio co(X)ist
House Y in Austin, Texas was originally built in 1962 and subtly renovated by studio co(X)ist to provide a modern lifestyle while preserving the character of the Sherwood Oaks neighborhood. The addition of a split design creates a Y shape, allowing privacy in the bedroom and creating an inner courtyard for added interest. The main living area was opened up to create an open floor plan, while the back wall of the dining room can be fully opened onto the terrace to expand living space. The garage was converted into an office for the owners' architectural practice. The house uses reclaimed materials and abundant windows and skylights to provide natural lighting.
Originally built as a ranch-style home in 1962, the renovated House Y is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the Sherwood Oaks neighborhood in South Austin, while providing a fresh and modern lifestyle. Created by architect-owners as an investment property, the renovation and additions to the house provide both living and working space for the owners, reflecting the design values of their architectural practice.
A portion of the project with additions splits the rectangle in half, creating a Y shape on the private side of the house. This division allows the bedroom to have privacy and separation from other bedrooms, both physically and visually. The division also creates an inner courtyard at the end of what was previously a dead-end corridor, bringing light, views and additional interest to an otherwise dull space.
In the main living area, previously separated rooms were opened up to create an open floor plan. The back wall of the dining room can be fully opened onto the backyard terrace, extending living space outdoors to take advantage of the Texas climate. This design also allows air circulation from the front of the house to the back, and creates a strong visual connection with the outside world from all rooms inside the house.
The backyard terrace extends the interior living space along the full length of the back of the house with access from the dining room, guest room and bedroom. The terrace roof uses the natural canopy of an existing large crepe myrtle tree to provide shade and protection from the Texas sun.
The house garage was converted into an office for the owners' architectural practice. This provides them with space for client meetings, as well as access to their home as a living example of what they do professionally through their architectural practice. The house uses several reclaimed materials, including a bench and lattice terrace from the original home's front entrance. The house also uses abundant natural lighting through numerous windows and skylights to reduce electrical load.
–studio co(X)ist
