Fabled Gabled Forms and Floating Cantilevered Boxes in This Home, LaRue Architects
This stunning, modern residence was designed with a northeast farmhouse typology by LaRue Architects. The home’s layout features modern cantilevered ‘boxes’ juxtaposed with gabled house forms. Situated atop a steep hill in Austin’s Rollingwood neighborhood, the site features spectacular downtown views of the city’s growing skyline. Dubbed Rollingwood Modern, the sprawling 6,700 SF home features new interiors by Kelle Contine Interior Design (KCID).
LaRue designed the home as an H shape to fit the steep slope of the lot while also providing views from various angles within the home. The cool, discreet courtyard leads into to the main house and features a bistro dining area and a fabulous custom ‘amor’ metal sign (inspired by the original iconic sculpture by Robert Indiana).
“We designed a front courtyard between the garage and the house, so the entry door allows privacy from the street facade,” says James LaRue, LaRue Architects. The lot falls off in the back facing the downtown view side of the property, LaRue placed the pool very close to the house with large planters to ease transition to a lower yard. The primary suite is cantilevered above the sloping grade and is the closest part of the residence to the city, allowing the bedroom to essentially float among the treetops while hovering above the adjacent pool.
The living core runs parallel to the pool, while the primary suite and game room anchor these spaces to either side; with the game room opening up directly to a covered outdoor entertaining porch. Taking advantage of the sloping lot, a guest suite is placed below at the lower floor and spills out to a curated lawn. And above, emphasizing and utilizing the steeply pitched gable house forms, the additional bedrooms fill the upper floor. The residence is composed of vernacular charcoal gray lueders limestone, smooth stucco, and horizontally-laid metal panels, a recipe that roots the building in the surrounding landscape, while introducing a timeless modern edge.
Interiors:
The home just went through an interior re-design by award winning Austin team at KCID. The team aimed to achieve a fresh approach with some unexpected touches.
“There was a heavy focus on nature and earth tones within the color palette while mixing matte textures and metals for a more eclectic and collected aesthetic,” says Studio Director and Senior Designer, Erin Judge of KCID- who led the design of the project with owner, Kelle Contine, serving as Principal In Charge. “The feature fireplace artwork -- ‘Abstracto en Otono’ by Marilo Carral purchased in San Miguel de Allende, was a guiding inspiration throughout the home’s design. We also wanted to maintain a fun and interactive overall experience as the homeowner loves to entertain.
Little surprises such as the neon-lit artwork found in the courtyard, a ‘dance room’ with disco ball, custom record player and lacquer lit Buddha artwork, as well as small touches in each room through wallcoverings, feature light fixtures, and unique details really help liven up each space.”
KCID also led a more in-depth renovation throughout much of the home under recent new ownership, such as a brand-new kitchen with deep walnut tones and a dramatic Diamante Nero quartzite, a serene primary bedroom with a built in headboard wall featuring a dimmable halo glow for a calm respite, and updated, rich finishes and natural fixtures throughout each space. The design team focused on creating a “soft plant to land” - a home base for the new owner where cozy and comfortable meet entertaining and luxury seamlessly.
Above: The music room features the homeowner’s mirrored disco ball and “Peaceful Buddha Neon” 2021 by Risk. Bringing the outside in, stone charcoal Lueders limestone -- seen in the study -- runs the length of the house, exterior to interior. Inspiration art curated from San Miguel de Allende is flanked by two Cova Swivel Lounge Chairs. The lower patio features iconic Magis 'Spun Chairs' originally designed by Thomas Heatherwick.
