City Park Residence: A Design Oasis that Harmonizes with the Landscape

Set among rolling hills overlooking downtown Austin, Texas, and with the iconic Pennybacker Bridge as its backdrop, City Park Residence is a project by Alterstudio Architecture. Clad in timber and stone, the home features flexible areas designed to change with the evolving needs of the family.

Access to the home is via a bridge and path between mature oaks and immersed in nature. The material palette carries through from outside to inside, where mahogany details and exposed stone walls echo the exterior palette of timber cladding paired with local stone. Warm, soft hues envelop the interiors, creating an oasis of relaxation.

A home that evolves with the family’s needs

City Park Residence’s upper level has a U-shaped plan, with its service areas seamlessly integrating with the living spaces, which include an open dining area and lounge. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring abundant natural light into the home, while showcasing views of the pool and a balcony that in turn offers sweeping views of the landscape.

While designed for a retired couple, the home’s layout centers on both accessible functionality and long-term adaptability. The primary living spaces and garage are conveniently located at ground level, ensuring easy access as the couple ages. Offices can be converted into bedrooms, while the bathrooms have been designed to be reconfigurable to meet future family needs. A safe room has been incorporated into the design to provide shelter in the event of tornadoes or other extreme weather events.

Net-positive energy design

City Park Residence is a prime example of net-positive energy design. The building incorporates both passive and active environmental control systems, including expansive glazing and solar shades to reduce heat gain, while a VRF HVAC system with MERV 13 filtration ensures comfort and excellent indoor air quality.

A large photovoltaic array, a hybrid hot water boiler, and continuous exterior insulation within the building envelope all exceed energy standards and help reduce the home’s environmental footprint.

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