mexico and south america

Many full-time residents of the large, C-shaped hall constructed their “roll towers” using wood panels, steel structural frames, and glass windows or fabric curtains. “People were free to use the material they liked,” says Mätti.

Floor plan of O-Frame by oioioi

The glassed-in kitchen, which connects to a dry garden in the center of the home, makes use of earthy materials such as parota wood for the millwork, black granite with leather finish for the countertops, and gray cantera stone floors. The pendants are by David Pompa, while the refrigerator is from Whirlpool and the dishwasher from LG.

As a practicing architect for over 30 years, Scott looked to his network to help take on the project and, to an extent, mitigate the budget. “I’ve described this house as less of a construction project, and more of an Amish barn raising.”

The couple spent $27, 250 on the interior windows, including the floor-to-ceiling glass panels that frame the courtyard.

Scott Specht of Specht Novak Architects designed a 1,200-square-foot home in Austin for him and his wife, Shiraz Bakshai. The house features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, and, notably, no exterior-facing windows.