One of our recent tear-down and rebuild projects, this Lakeway waterfront custom home is bright and airy. The owners wanted a warm, contemporary design with clean lines and natural materials. Optimizing views was essential, but they also sought privacy from the street, livability and efficiency in the warm Texas climate. The insulated, angled glass of the rear facade thus faces north, an orientation that lends a head-on quality to views over the marina to the main body of the lake. It also provides the artist owner the northern light so favored by painters. The steep lot was addressed with cut and fill to create a gently sloped front lawn and driveway while taking full advantage of rear views.
Setbacks required that the home be shallow and wide. A horseshoe driveway eases access to the motor court. The garages are opposed, minimizing their visual impact. High, reeded-glass front windows afford privacy while admitting indirect light just below the eaves. The stacked outdoor living area and screened porch gather corner breezes while protected from western sun by a trellis and vigorous native vine.
Upstairs are the kitchen, master suite with secondary laundry, living and dining areas. Downstairs are three additional bedrooms suites, a study/studio, exercise room, large family room, wine room, main laundry room and wet bar perfect for entertaining. An open, floating staircase offers the drama of a double-height space, filters light deep into the lower floor and breaks up the expanse of the great room.
A variety of unique marble counter tops, travertine tile, mahogany doors and engineered Brazilian cherry floors warm the space. Obscure glass provides privacy to naturally-lit spaces and the local white limestone of the fireplaces and facade tie the home to its natural environs. The homeowners call the home “Northern Light” for its site-inspired design.
