Court & Corten House

Austin, TX 2015

Court & Corten House is inspired by the humble size and simple shapes of 1920’s bungalows. The design acknowledges the efficiency of these bungalows while simultaneously addressing some deficiencies of the type, specifically, dark interiors and little connection with the surrounding lot.

The design of the Court & Corten House is centered on two facets: maximizing natural light through an entrance court; and using the virtue of the site, the majestic heritage oak, as a unique amenity (rather than obstacle) for development. The tree’s crown is harnessed for shade, while the technical feat of cantilevering the foundation allows a placement close enough for the shade to be effective.

Internally the house comprises simple spaces adaptive to living patterns over time. The rooms are white to maximize the light and punctuate the beauty of the lushly planted lot. Externally the house appears as a play of cubic volumes uniformly wrapped in a rugged weathering steel cladding.

Project Credits

Architect:
Charles Di Piazza, AIA

Design Team:
Charles Di Piazza, Chris Cobb, Andrew Fulcher

Landscape:
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects

Builder:
22 Construction LLC

Engineering:
Leap! Structures

Photographers:
Andrea Calo, Paul Bardagjy

Size:
1600 sf

Date Completed:
2015

Recognition:
AIA Austin Design Award 2018
ASLA Award of Honor 2017
Texas Architect, March / April 2016
Modern Luxury Interiors, Winter / Spring 2016
AIA Austin Homes Tour, Fall 2015
Austin Home Monthly, Fall 2015