Ames House by Matt Fajkus Architecture
The remodeled home is flooded with light yet shielded from heat gain thanks to the optimized picture windows, skylights, and inset openings of its transformative two-story addition.
Austin-based architect Matt Fajkus encourages his clients to focus on solar orientation, breeze-flow, and the preservation of shade trees when siting projects. His firm’s two-story, stucco-clad addition to the Ames house transformed the drab 1980s home into an open, light-filled dwelling with contemporary character and improved energy-efficiency. South-facing windows are inset to provide shading and mitigate heat gain. On the inside, beautiful millwork stands out, and black-framed picture windows keep nature in view. Fajkus says, "Daylighting puts us in touch with the natural rhythm of the day, which is emotionally soothing."
Project Details
Single family
Architect: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Project: Ames House (950-square-foot addition)
Location: Austin, Texas
Completed: 2020
From the firm: "The volumes are defined by clean, discrete geometry and complemented by ample windows and skylights to create a space which feels open, bright, and connected to the outdoors."
Scroll ahead to peek inside this home.
The aim of this project was to connect the existing house and garage with a distinctly contemporary addition.
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
The addition houses a private office, a sitting area, a mud room, and a powder room.
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
A custom light fixture adorns the new stairwell.
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Beautiful interior millwork is a highlight of the project.
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
On the ground level, the addition created a second living area that opens to the backyard
Photo by Leonid Furmansky
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