Then, to meet the tight schedule the young architects employed fast-tracking techniques typically used on large-scale projects and adapted them to the residential context where tolerances are much more demanding. They worked with Bensonwood, a high-tech sustainable timber company, to manufacture panelized sections of the house in their factory off-site. At the same time, all of the site-work and foundation work was performed on-site by Austin’s high-performance builder Risinger Homes. This significantly reduced the amount of time to construct the building envelope.
Matt Risinger of Risinger homes commented: “We were able to frame the house in just two weeks. That’s pretty incredible for a 6,000 square foot custom home.” The factory fabrication also meant that the envelope of the house fit together so well that the house was approaching passive energy standards with no additional measures. The architects were left with an air-tight envelope and fully complete site-work in the same amount of time that a normal house might have had only the site-work or foundations completed.
The house itself has an airy, relaxed feel that matches perfectly with the relaxed Austin vibe. Spaces blend with one another and views outside and to the lake beyond bring nature into the house. The house is divided into two wings: a private wing for the family to sleep and work in, and a public wing for dining, entertaining, and recreation. The split massing of the house allowed the architects to preserve all of the trees on the site and the house nestles around a mature live oak tree which adds to a sense of privacy and connection to nature.
On the exterior of the house, the high performance timber panels are clad in Shou Sugi Ban charred Cyprus, an ancient Japanese method of preserving wood by charring and cooling the wood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPhyfP-qMM4 The black finish of the charred Cyprus is offset by a lightweight white steel roof that efficiently reflects the rays of the Texas sun away from the house keeping it cool during the summer months. The architects, their builder, and fabricator deployed a novel use of prefabrication technology, and interior planning and organization, and traditional techniques to execute a high-end custom home that feels comfortable and effortless in a record amount of time.
About Aamodt / Plumb Architects Aamodt / Plumb helps design-savvy homeowners and professionals work and live in modern and well-crafted spaces that support their happiness and enjoyment. Mette Aamodt, AIA and Andrew Plumb, AIA began working together when they were classmates at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. In 2007 they decided to found an office dedicated to improving the quality of life for their clients and employees. Photography credits: Casey Dunn, www.caseydunn.net