Built atop a sloping site off Lake Travis, this two story custom residence utilizes a bisecting plan to offer flexible open space and respond to the grade of the site. Natural materials such as wood siding, stacked ledge stone and stucco are used to tie into the landscape. A large butterfly roof and expansive windows capture views and embrace the surrounding vista.
Photography
Lars Frazer
Landscape Design
Jackie Nadler Design
Elm Street House
This restoration and addition to a 1916 home in Clarksville strives to maintain its place in the historic context of the neighborhood while also interjecting modernity. While the front façade of the existing home was carefully restored to keep a familiar face to the street, the new is distinguished with modern forms, openness, materials and detailing. The U-shaped courtyard plan provides an abundance of sunlight, privacy and opportunities for connected views from other portions of the home.
Photography
Paul Bardagjy
Mueller Residence
Situated within the first phase of the development at the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport in Austin, this ground-up home offsets the traditional form of a gable roof and combines with a flat roof to create a sophisticated take on conventional forms. The composition of stone, wood, stucco, glass and concrete at the exterior of the building continue to the interior to minimize the visual transition between the two. Carefully placed windows and landscaping work together to maximize views, provide natural light, and maintain privacy in this dense development. This home was awarded LEED Platinum, NAHB-Gold and Austin Energy Green Building 5-Star Certification.
Photography
Lars Frazer
Landsape
Jackie Nadler Design
Westlake Homestead
The design for this west Austin residence involved a respectful remodel to an existing Fred Day-designed treetop home and a contrasting new addition. The existing structure was modified to create a gourmet kitchen, an enlarged master closet, a laundry room, powder room, and a bridge to the addition. Other updates to the original house included an upgraded geothermal air-conditioning system, updates to make the envelope more energy efficient and expanding the front deck to accommodate dining. The addition, an elegant 'shotgun' style form, contains bedrooms, an exercise room, family room, garage and an herb garden. Using materials of glass, metal and concrete, the addition was placed at the back of the sloping lot so that it would not impede upon the unobstructed views to downtown and hill country beyond.
Photography
Ryan Farnau
Threadgill Homestead
Threadgill is a three unit, 5-star Austin Green Building rated townhome project located in the Mueller development east of downtown Austin. Driven by particular neighborhood design guidelines, the typically traditional three gabled roofs are modernized in removing the overhangs and cladding in white stucco. White-washed wood complements the stucco, while window boxes of steel plate punctuate each unit. The layout for the townhomes maximizes day light and utilize carports that double as outdoor living. Each unit includes a fifteen foot tall bookcase with cable railing that doubles as a guardrail and screen for the stairway. Originally planned to have the same finishes throughout, all of the homes were purchased during construction, allowing finishes to be tailored to the homeowner.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, formerly Michael Hsu Design Office, was formed in 2005 with the goal of producing locally-engaged, design-driven architecture and interiors in Austin. MHOA endeavors to create livable, neighborhood-oriented urban spaces. Our work includes diverse projects ranging from mixed-use developments to original commercial interiors and residences.
MHOA advocates a simple, edited design palette, using available materials and techniques to create unexpected results. MHOA believes in the innate beauty of unadorned natural materials, carefully chosen, composed and crafted.
MHOA is concerned with producing work that is functional, engaging and honest. We believe in the active collaboration between designer, client, consultant, and craftsman and embrace the challenges of site and budget to inspire highly creative, cost-effective solutions. Our numerous adaptive re-use projects demonstrate our passion for imaginative and sustainable solutions from modest resources.
