Additions

Cedar on the porch’s deck, walls, and ceiling provides a natural counterpoint to the addition’s corrugated black metal cladding.

When concrete trucks couldn't reach the addition site, the team switched to a pier-and-beam construction method with AAC [autoclaved aerated concrete] floor panels.

For a bathroom in the new addition, the architects utilized the former addition's rocky foundation, complemented by zellige tile.

Twenty minutes from Marfa, a couple bring a 1914 home back to basics by peeling away faux stone, preserving marbelized tile, and building an addition that’s boxy in the best way.

The new kitchen features green kit kat tiles, a terrazzo-effect rubber floor, white cabinetry, and cherry wood veneered cabinets. The client originally wanted teak cabinets, but 4 S Architecture recommended using cherry wood instead as it is more sustainable but has the same warm tones as teak. “We couldn’t get behind teak as a product so we used FSC certified European cherry that has less air miles than American cherry,” explains architect Julia Hamson. “The client was really pleased with the result.”

"Sleeping under the large curved skylight, with its opening that unfolds like a leaf, and watching hawks glide overhead is magical,

A large brick patio awaits adjacent to the main living areas, catering to easy entertaining.

"Cork floors warm the space, with earth tones introduced to complement the woodwork and cabinetry,

Floor Plan of Tranquil Terraced Piedmont by Turnbull, Griffin, & Haesloop Architects

The guest room is part of the addition off the kitchen, and can act as an ADU when necessary.

The one bedroom-one bath guesthouse has a kitchenette, and also utilizes the same materials as the main house: walnut cabinets, cedar walls, and the tongue and groove ceiling treatment.

Floor Plan of Templeton Eichler by Blaine Architects

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One of the biggest challenges of the project was just finding solid ground to build upon. “We just dug and dug, nearly five meters down. It looked like an area of war,” says Gylfir.

The new house has five exits, including the huge sliding door from the living room to the open space where the hot tub waits. Even the bathroom has a door to the outside.

The ceiling lights are Wever and Ducré.

Timber slats line the ceiling, matching the wood tone of the floor and walls.

The sleeping loft can also be used as an additional seating area or workspace.