Texas study Matt Fajkus Architecture used wood, stucco and glass to form an extension of a 1960s home on a steep slope overlooking a stream
The project, called Creekbluff Studio, involved adding a spacious office to a mid-century modern house owned by clients working in the financial sector. The 1966 house, which is clad in wood and stone, is located on an acre mountainous terrain in the Bull Creek neighborhood of Austin. The expansion was designed to complement the main house and capitalize the scenic terrain.
"The addition of the home office not only complements the existing home and balances the dynamic terrain of West Austin, but also created a newly framed portal for an adjacent stream and rich landscape," said local studio Matt Fajkus Architecture, also known as MF Architecture.
Spanning 1,000 square feet (93 square meters), the addition is designed to house up to five employees. Approximately L-shaped, the extension contains two offices, a conference room, a study, a bathroom and storage space. A glass enclosure connects the extension to the main house.
"A glass entrance connects the new with the existing, offering a clear view and direct access to the unique natural beauty of the site," the team said in a statement.
Covered with a sloping metal roof, the addition is wrapped in wood and stucco. For the elevation to the street, the team created an opaque facade to provide a higher level of privacy. A part of the facade pushes towards the outside, which allows the addition of side windows.
"By offsetting the wood panel part of the front wall, the office can pick up daylight through the side windows that are hidden from the street view," said Matt Fajkus Architecture.
At the back, the team created a wooden platform that is lifted off the ground by concrete springs and is shaded by a roof eaves. Unlike the solid front facade, the rear elevation is very transparent.
"The back of the home office opens to the outside with large windows, sliding glass doors from floor to ceiling and a hidden patio between the treetops overlooking the creek," the study said.
A moderate approach was used for interior design. The rooms have concrete floors, white walls and contemporary decor. In several areas, the roof is encased in a rich-toned wood that was also used for the soffits of the building.
"The wooden roofs extend, further strengthening the interior and exterior connection," the study said.
Matt Fajkus Architecture has included a number of projects in his home state of Texas, including a two-story residence organized around an old oak and an asymmetrical house containing a large garage to house antique cars.
The photograph is by Charles Davis Smith.
Project credits:
Architect: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Design team: David Birt, Matt Fajkus.
General Contractor: A R Lucas Construction Company
Photography logistic support: Nitsche Events.
Windows and doors: Milgard.
Interior pocket door: The Sliding Door Company
Entrance doors: Hoelscher
Bathroom tile: Anatolia
