Cliffside Residence by Specht Architects: Renovation of A Deteriorating 1970’s-Era House

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 4

It is a major renovation of a deteriorating 1970’s-era house located in Austin, Texas. Renovated by Specht Architects, Cliffside Residence sits on a narrow limestone ridge halfway down a cliff overlooking Lake Austin. This house is designed to enhance the drama of living due to the unusual natural setting on the site.

Design

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 1

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 2

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 3

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 4

The waterside and the cliff-face side of this house are opened up by the architect with large windows, providing decks for comfortable outdoor living at multiple levels. The original entry of this house was a dangerous exterior ramp and now it is via a light-filled pavilion that opens onto a large rooftop herb garden and overlooks the lake.

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 5

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 6

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 7

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 8

Supplemented by an elevator, a sequence of stairs of this house descends through the three levels and reveals awesome views from the lake and the limestone cliff. It is a comfortable house where one can enjoy the stunning views in every daily life activity.

 

Materials

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 9

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 10

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 11

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 12

Cliffside Residence By Specht Architects 13

Some materials that incorporated into this house include flooring salvaged by the owners, stone from a quarry they frequented during vacations, and also furniture made from a collection of industrial parts they collected. It is an awesome house that can express the charming and unique character of its owner.

 

Cliffside Residence Gallery

 

Photography: Andrea Calo, Taggart Sorensen & Austin Smock