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Outdoor Living Spaces by Miró Rivera Architects

Rooms outside the house are just as important as those inside, as demonstrated by these high-end, fully custom outdoor spaces

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In contrast to the street façade, with its ribbon windows and metal screen, the rear of the house opens up to the natural landscape and views of downtown Austin via large windows and cantilevered terraces.
In contrast to the street façade, with its ribbon windows and metal screen, the rear of the house opens up to the natural landscape and views of downtown Austin via large windows and cantilevered terraces.
Below, the terrain falls away steeply to a public hike-and-bike trail before meeting the shores of Lady Bird Lake, itself a segment of the Colorado River that winds across the state of Texas.
Below, the terrain falls away steeply to a public hike-and-bike trail before meeting the shores of Lady Bird Lake, itself a segment of the Colorado River that winds across the state of Texas.
Overhead spans the home's most distinctive design feature: a canopy of closely-space 1/2" rebar strands that shades the outdoor spaces while visually completing the curving rooflines of the main and guest houses.
Overhead spans the home's most distinctive design feature: a canopy of closely-space 1/2" rebar strands that shades the outdoor spaces while visually completing the curving rooflines of the main and guest houses.
The two buildings are linked by an Ipei deck that runs parallel to a 40-foot long swimming pool.
The two buildings are linked by an Ipei deck that runs parallel to a 40-foot long swimming pool.
Taking advantage of the large site, a quarter-mile walking trail wanders down from the house, passing a limestone spring and pool and winding through an elm woodland, remnant prairie, and cedar break.
Taking advantage of the large site, a quarter-mile walking trail wanders down from the house, passing a limestone spring and pool and winding through an elm woodland, remnant prairie, and cedar break.
The Westridge Residence focuses on two compact structures—a main house and detached garage with a guest apartment—linked by a trellis of rebar suspended in a natural catenary curve.
The Westridge Residence focuses on two compact structures—a main house and detached garage with a guest apartment—linked by a trellis of rebar suspended in a natural catenary curve.
The intervention culminates in a direct visual and physical connection to the stunning backyard, with its landscaped terraces of locally-quarried limestone, swimming pool, and collection of sculptures.
The intervention culminates in a direct visual and physical connection to the stunning backyard, with its landscaped terraces of locally-quarried limestone, swimming pool, and collection of sculptures.
New 17-foot-tall windows, which face the woods, transform what was once a low-slung, dark, and deserted kitchen into the focal point of the home.
New 17-foot-tall windows, which face the woods, transform what was once a low-slung, dark, and deserted kitchen into the focal point of the home.
A two-story, open-air light well separates the private master suite from the main living areas while bringing natural light and views into the core of the house.
A two-story, open-air light well separates the private master suite from the main living areas while bringing natural light and views into the core of the house.
The innovative cladding system of concrete panels doubles as a rainscreen, protecting the structure from the elements and providing increased thermal efficiency.
The innovative cladding system of concrete panels doubles as a rainscreen, protecting the structure from the elements and providing increased thermal efficiency.
The master bedroom is enclosed on three sides, emphasizing the view outward, while the low-slung roof and deep eaves create a sense of horizontality. The bed, nightstands, and light shelf are made from white oak to match the floors; all were designed by the architects.
The master bedroom is enclosed on three sides, emphasizing the view outward, while the low-slung roof and deep eaves create a sense of horizontality. The bed, nightstands, and light shelf are made from white oak to match the floors; all were designed by the architects.
A spacious balcony is partially carved into the roof of the main level. Here above the treetops, the home’s spectacular location is experienced most vividly.
A spacious balcony is partially carved into the roof of the main level. Here above the treetops, the home’s spectacular location is experienced most vividly.
The journey begins with a series of massive concrete walls that extend out into the landscape, creating a series of outdoor spaces and drawing visitors in.
The journey begins with a series of massive concrete walls that extend out into the landscape, creating a series of outdoor spaces and drawing visitors in.
Exposed concrete, metal, and concrete panel cladding—chosen for their ease of maintenance—are the predominant materials.
Exposed concrete, metal, and concrete panel cladding—chosen for their ease of maintenance—are the predominant materials.
The distinct sloped roof profiles provide directionality, essentially “pointing” to the views beyond.
The distinct sloped roof profiles provide directionality, essentially “pointing” to the views beyond.
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of outdoor studio and stage at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of outdoor studio and stage at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects
View of screen porch at Hill Country House by Miró Rivera Architects

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