PROPERTY: Private Residence
COMPLETED: 2008
SIZE: 1,100SF renovations and 1,700SF addition
PROJECT: Private Residence
AWARDS: Architectural Record - House of The Month, March 2009, TRENDS REMODELING DESIGN AWARDS 2010 Top Honors, Best Remodel + Addition, WATERMARK AWARDS 2010 Grand Award, Best Kitchen in a Custom Home less than 3000sf
Fairfield House began as a three generation collaboration when the architect’s father proposed a shared investment in Austin real estate. The project transformed an unremarkable suburban house into an award winning demonstration of sustainable design principles and spatial innovation. Serving as both the architects’ personal residence and experimental laboratory, the design explores how thoughtful architectural interventions can make compact urban lots feel expansive while creating distinct zones for multi generational living within a cohesive whole.
The design strategy employs a bridge concept that connects the original house footprint to a new rear structure, creating a naturally ventilated breezeway and carport below. Three west facing pop outs block harsh afternoon sun while capturing north south light and breezes, each serving as expanded rooms with bay windows. An experimental polycarbonate wall system with bubble wrap insulation demonstrates innovative approaches to thermal performance and daylighting. Extensive use of Texas pecan wood throughout reflects regional identity, while reflective metal cladding on east and west facades minimizes heat gain. The design integrates passive solar strategies and rainwater collection infrastructure, achieving exceptional energy efficiency in a 3,200 square foot home.
