Proudly, Architectural Digest Mexico featured ‘Quinta Azul’ in its July 2012 issue.
The house was designed centered within the idea of creating a space where the designer/builder’s family lived surrounded, and stimulated, by nature. The hilltop 4200 sq. ft. house is quite transparent. The exterior integrates subtly with the interior through the use of great glass walls. The house is simple, open, accessible, comfortable, and welcomes its guests with open arms. Many of the materials that were used for its construction are exposed, avoiding redundant details, and showing the natural characteristics of each element. The main construction materials include steel, glass and stucco.
The geometric form of the house directly responds to the location of large oak trees. These trees become part of the architecture, acting as visual foci from many vantage point inside the house. The aesthetic composition of the project is formed by a number of overhangs, of which the most prominent is the second floor cantilever. It overhangs 14.5 feet, and it houses a kids’ bedroom. The open plan living room, dining, room, and kitchen are located on the first floor, next to the master bedroom suite. The second floor consists of three bedrooms that open up to a game/tv room.
The main entrance is accessed through the highest part of the 1.9 acre lot, through a paved plaza, and down some cut limestone steps. The steps culminate in a cluster of oaks located in front of the 10+ft. glass door. The interiors are composed primarily of white walls and ceilings, and hardwood floors that create a relaxing and elegant ambiance.
Many green elements were included in the design of the house, such as icynene insulation, insulated glazing, rainwater tank, on demand water heaters, high efficiency 16-seer heat pump units, natural gas appliances, etc. ALL the excavated material was reused in the site, reducing the project’s carbon footprint to a minimum.
Along with the house’s surroundings, light is the main protagonist of this project. It would be an honor to share the home’s light with Austin Modern Homes Tour selection committee, and guest.
