My Houzz: Austin Haven with Amazing Views
Natural materials, energy-efficient design and a screened-in porch take in a stunning hillside
Sara Cukerbaum
December 21, 2011
Sharon Radovich of Panache Interiors was busy renovating four bathrooms in Herb and Nan Schwetman's house when she got a call from Nan. Nan told Sharon to stop working on the bathrooms because a lot the couple had wanted for years finally came on the market. The Schwetmans bought the lot immediately and put together a team of award-winning designers including Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, Panache Interiors and Botanical Concerns Landscaping.
The Schwetmans told the design team they wanted something contemporary, but with natural elements to tie their home to the beautiful panoramic views. With a strong focus on the topography, the architect created a linear home with tall north-facing windows to bring in cool light, protect the home's south-facing walls, and shield it from exposure to the sun.
Once the architects completed the design, Radovich came to the plate with an array of natural materials to promote the ambiance of the home's setting. The Schwetmans couldn't be happier. When it came to working with design professionals, Nan says, "We think we know what we like, but sometimes you just need a little nudging in the right direction."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Herb and Nan Schwetman
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 4,000-square-foot, two-story house with 4 bedrooms
The Schwetmans told the design team they wanted something contemporary, but with natural elements to tie their home to the beautiful panoramic views. With a strong focus on the topography, the architect created a linear home with tall north-facing windows to bring in cool light, protect the home's south-facing walls, and shield it from exposure to the sun.
Once the architects completed the design, Radovich came to the plate with an array of natural materials to promote the ambiance of the home's setting. The Schwetmans couldn't be happier. When it came to working with design professionals, Nan says, "We think we know what we like, but sometimes you just need a little nudging in the right direction."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Herb and Nan Schwetman
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 4,000-square-foot, two-story house with 4 bedrooms
The architects at Barley & Pfeiffer created an open floor plan for the main living area, using the lot's natural slope to conceal all secondary living spaces. Detaching the garage and placing the deck and screened-in porch on the south side protects the home from harsh winds. The design team further emphasized the home's energy efficiency by using premium non-degrading exterior materials.
Two bridges connect the carport to the house, allowing entry to the house via the main entrance or via the kitchen and utility room.
Barley & Pfeiffer utilized stone, steel and wood in the home's exterior to create a modern aesthetic while allowing the house to better blend with the surrounding landscape.
Barley & Pfeiffer utilized stone, steel and wood in the home's exterior to create a modern aesthetic while allowing the house to better blend with the surrounding landscape.
Panache Interiors used Mesquite wood floors in the main area of the house. Horizontal wood panels offset the shell fossil limestone fireplace surround. Radovich chose gray for the walls. Sliding doors lead from the living room on to the deck, showcasing the home’s spectacular view of the Austin Hill Country.
All furniture and area rugs came from Room & Board. Nan says, “We just love that store. Their pieces are modern but still look cozy and they are really reasonably priced. It was perfect for us.”
All furniture and area rugs came from Room & Board. Nan says, “We just love that store. Their pieces are modern but still look cozy and they are really reasonably priced. It was perfect for us.”
Radovich selected Verde Marinace as the material for the kitchen island countertop. The Marinace is comprised of large colored river rocks fused together. "Everyone is always asking me what this stone is. It is very unique," Nan says.
Ayers green granite was placed on all of the remaining kitchen counters and the kitchen backsplash was covered in a combination of horizontal limestone and glass mosaic tiles. Green-gray cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Rare Gray 6199 further emphasizes the home's contemporary look.
Ayers green granite was placed on all of the remaining kitchen counters and the kitchen backsplash was covered in a combination of horizontal limestone and glass mosaic tiles. Green-gray cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Rare Gray 6199 further emphasizes the home's contemporary look.
While the floor plan encourages energy efficiency, it also serves as a great way for Herb and Nan to entertain friends and family.
A custom booth built into the kitchen give the pair a place to enjoy their morning coffee. A Varaluz recycled steel and glass chandelier adds modern sparkle.
The decks are made of sustainable Ipe Brazilian hardwood. "One of my favorite things about this house is its natural setting," Nan says. "We tried to bring as much of that setting inside with our choice of colors and with some of the art that we used."
A screened-in porch off the dining room allows Herb and Nan to enjoy the outdoors without being totally exposed to the outdoor conditions.
A nook on the screened-in porch gives the couple a spot to enjoy the view and meals by the fireplace.
Outdoor furniture: Room & Board
Outdoor furniture: Room & Board
In the master bathroom, Radovich combined honed seagrass stone with mosaic bamboo tiles for the floor. "The bamboo is warmer to the foot so when Nan and Herb step out of their shower, they aren't stepping onto cold tiles," Radovich says.
In the master bedroom, a glass mosaic backsplash adds visual interest to the space. It also adds a dash of natural color that works well with the other stone in the bathroom.
Faucet: Pfister
More Inspiring Houzz Tours:
Artful and Efficient in Austin
Minimal and Soothing in Austin
Warm and Modern in Austin
Faucet: Pfister
More Inspiring Houzz Tours:
Artful and Efficient in Austin
Minimal and Soothing in Austin
Warm and Modern in Austin
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Too many timbers used, so the eye is not rewarded with peaceful continuity which is what is needed in a small space. This is especially apparent in the view from the end of the dining room, facing the kitchen. There is too much for the eye to take in and the floor enhances this. It is a strange color to put in the mix and the patchy look of the different length boards wins no prizes. The deep gray in the dining nook is not right.
The tone should be lighter - the colors in the stone are beautiful and any one of these colors could be used, with a slightly deeper tint to tie it all together.
As I said, my opinion!
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