Modern house with black brick and wood cladding, surrounded by greenery.

A modern house with a dark exterior featuring black brick and wood cladding, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Modern house with dark siding and black brick wall amidst greenery.
Modern house with dark cladding and flat roof, surrounded by landscaping and autumn tree.
Exterior view of a modern house with dark wood siding, glass windows, and a landscaped garden with ferns and trees.
Outdoor area with a red-leaved tree, concrete pathway, and surrounding greenery.
Modern house with dark exterior materials and a large tree providing shade.
Modern house exterior with black brick walls, large glass windows, a small pool, and surrounding greenery.
Modern home with large glass walls and patio seating, surrounded by greenery.
Close-up of a modern exterior with wooden slats and black wall, sunlight casting shadows, tree trunk visible.
Modern living room with glass wall, brown leather sofa, grand piano, and dark brick wall.
Living room with glass wall, grand piano, beige sofa, patterned rug, wooden chair, and skylight.
Dining room with a round table, modern chairs, floral wallpaper, pendant light, and artwork.
Modern kitchen and dining area with dark wood cabinetry, red backsplash, and garden view.
Modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, black countertop, stainless steel refrigerator, white pendant light, and wooden flooring.
Interior view of a modern breakfast nook with a wooden table, red bench, patterned wall, and large glass windows.
Interior view of a modern room with large glass windows, two chairs, a fireplace, and a view of an outdoor area.
Interior view of a modern home with dark brick walls, wooden flooring, a green chair, bookshelves, and a guitar.
Staircase with wooden steps, white handrail, decorative wall art, and large windows.
Bedroom with large bed, modern chandelier, wall art, window with tree view, light wood cabinetry, and patterned rug.
Minimalist interior with gray plaster walls, a metal handrail, a bench with a towel, and a large window.
Floor plan of a modern house with labeled areas including porch, library, entry, living room, dining room, kitchen, media room, bedrooms, and pool.
Floor plan of a house's second level with labeled rooms and areas.

Story

A bold architectural identity in a traditional neighborhood In the heart of Austin's Tarrytown neighborhood, a striking modern residence emerges, designed by Alterstudio Architecture with interiors by The Renner Project. The house presents a protective black brick and cedar facade, concealing a luminous interior that unfolds around a series of courtyards and gardens. This design harmonizes privacy with openness, engaging with the outdoors while maintaining seclusion from neighboring properties. The architecture is characterized by two sculptural volumes clad in long-format black brick and ebony-stained cedar siding. These materials serve to shield the interior from view. The home creates its own landscape-focused environment between a walled garden facing the street and a central courtyard at the rear. Large custom site-glazed window walls open the interiors toward gardens and outdoor spaces, maintaining an understated appearance through minimal framing. Arrival at the residence is framed by the sweeping branches of a mature Live Oak tree, setting the tone for a sequence of interconnected spaces that reveal themselves gradually. The living spaces are organized around a central courtyard, allowing the outdoors to remain a constant presence. Expansive glass walls create a strong visual connection to gardens while drawing natural light deep into the interior. The dining room introduces a vibrant floral wallcovering, dark wood paneling, and contemporary artwork, creating a sophisticated yet inviting space. The kitchen, defined by custom millwork and honed Absolute Black granite, emphasizes precision and material quality. A two-story screened porch on the eastern side introduces vertical scale, enhancing the sense of openness and connecting multiple levels of the home.

Design Highlights

Two sculptural volumes clad in black brick and ebony-stained cedar Central courtyard and expansive glass walls for a strong indoor-outdoor connection Vibrant dining room with floral wallcovering and dark wood paneling Custom millwork in the kitchen with honed Absolute Black granite Two-story screened porch with custom steel detailing

Key Facts

Feature Description
Location Austin, Texas
Architect Alterstudio Architecture
Interior Designer The Renner Project
Structural Engineer MJ Structures
Landscape Design Word + Carr Design Group
Year Completed 2023
Materials Black brick, ebony-stained cedar, glass

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior Cladding: Long-format black brick and ebony-stained cedar siding.
  • Interior Walls: Dark wood paneling and floral wallcovering in the dining room.
  • Flooring: White oak flooring and honed Absolute Black granite in the kitchen.

Materials

  • Brick — Exterior cladding
  • Cedar — Exterior cladding
  • Glass — Windows and walls
  • Wood — Interior flooring and cabinetry
  • Granite — Kitchen countertops

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Combination of long-format black brick and ebony-stained cedar siding.
  • Structural System: Custom steel fascia and facade elements.

Products

  • Brick — Corso Brick — by S. Anselmo (Exterior cladding)
  • Cabinetry — Custom Millwork — by Tim Cuddy Cabinetry (Kitchen cabinetry)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: black, ebony, dark wood tones, white
  • Lighting: Natural light is emphasized with large glass walls and a skylight, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

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