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.

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Appears In

Ames House by Matt Fajkus Architecture