{"id":23668,"date":"2024-07-02T07:28:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T12:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakehomes.com\/info\/?p=23668"},"modified":"2024-08-27T08:55:26","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T13:55:26","slug":"a-lake-austin-home-emulates-the-fluidity-of-the-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakehomes.com\/info\/lifestyles\/a-lake-austin-home-emulates-the-fluidity-of-the-water","title":{"rendered":"Floating Jewel: A Lake Austin Home Mirrors the Fluidity of the Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Architecture: James LaRue, AIA, and Patrick Mobley, AIA, LaRue Architects<\/a>, Austin, TX
Interior Design: Laura Britt, Britt Design Group<\/a>, Austin TX
Landscape Architect: Garden Design Studio<\/a>, Austin, TX
Pool: Aqua Builders<\/a>, Driftwood, TX
Photography: Casey Dunn<\/a>, Austin, TX<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Snuggled against a steep mountainside fronting Texas\u2019s shimmering Lake Austin, this sprawling residence floats weightlessly on the water. Capturing stunning views from every vantage point, the entire footprint of this lakefront property totals more than 8,200 square feet and includes three adjacent casitas connected by floating walkways and a 6,000-square-foot main house. Acclaimed architect James LaRue<\/a>, AIA, principal and founder of LaRue Architects,<\/a> designed the home to frame these incredible views. His unique vision for the project has already garnered a LUXE Red Award<\/a> in 2023 for exterior architecture. The location and topography dictated the home\u2019s design plan, using large sheets of glass for optimal views. Project architect Patrick Mobley<\/a>, AIA, of LaRue Architects, who worked alongside James LaRue, recalls the client stating after moving in that she didn\u2019t even know these stunning views were possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis legacy family residence, located in a desirable neighborhood overlooking Lake Austin, has quite the story to tell,\u201d says LaRue. \u201cSpanning two lots, the home stretches parallel to the water, opening towards the west sunset. The homeowners were quite familiar with the property, having had the opportunity to live in the previous home at the same site for over two decades. While the original home was traditional, built in a more iconic two-story gabled house form, the new contemporary home takes advantage of the site\u2019s conditions and views. This property is first and foremost about soaking in the lake lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The structure\u2019s butterfly roof mimics the movement of the water encircling the property. A series of water features create a feeling of calmness amidst the design, and the site plan weaves around the property\u2019s mature red oaks\u2014hence its endearing name, Red Oak<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior Enchantment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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LaRue envisioned and designed this home as a floating jewel box, and Laura Britt, principal founder of the esteemed Austin design firm Britt Design Group<\/a>, collaborated with a bespoke collection of vintage pieces, new contemporary furnishings, light installations, and Art Deco antiques\u2014all amidst a jewel-tone color palette. Britt, who Architectural Digest recently named as one of the 23 best Austin interior designers on their AD PRO Directory<\/a>, commissioned organic artworks that mimic the movement and reflective nature of the water surrounding the entire home. Her interior elements incorporate saturated blues and greens, mirroring the natural tones of the lake and surrounding landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAustin is home base for the owners, and they love lake life,\u201d says Britt. \u201cThere are three casitas on this property for family and friends, providing a resort-like home away from home setting. They have a large family, so having green space for playing with grandchildren and a water feature for relaxing and hosting gatherings were two must-haves in this design.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand-troweled stucco ceilings and shou sugi ban wood-clad accent walls imbue the outdoor spaces with a tactile rustic charm. These elements infuse the atmosphere with a welcoming warmth that invites relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floating Foot Paths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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During the site planning design phase, the homeowners requested that the property feel like a resort. In response, LaRue designed waterways around the numerous buildings to extend the lake vibe to the property, allowing floating stone walkways to connect the spaces. \u201cMost of the time, the owners enjoy the hum of Lake Austin\u2019s vibrant lake life,\u201d says the architect, \u201cbut when needed, the sound of the surrounding water features subdues some of the lake noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three multigenerational casitas interconnect to the main house via water, pathways, and serene landscaping. The private casitas have their own covered areas and viewing platforms among the water, and the separation of all the structures allows lake breezes to pass through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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