When the new owner of this 1980s house called for a complete renovation, the architects saw the opportunity to transform its dark, dated interiors while taking better advantage of the home?s spectacular location atop a promontory offering a 180-degree view of Lake Austin and the rolling hills beyond. 

© Rachel Kay

Architects: Miro? Rivera Architects

Location: Austin, TX, United States

Area: 8070.0 ft2

Project Year: 2013

Photographs: Rachel Kay

Contractor: Dalgleish Construction Company

Interior Decorator: Rachel Mast Design

© Rachel Kay

When the new owner of this 1980s house called for a complete renovation, the architects saw the opportunity to transform its dark, dated interiors while taking better advantage of the home?s spectacular location atop a promontory offering a 180-degree view of Lake Austin and the rolling hills beyond. 
© Rachel Kay

The existing driveway and garage, which had occupied a large area of prime real estate at the center of the property, were reconfigured in order to provide for a generous, landscaped courtyard accessed by a series of stepped terraces faced with Pennsylvania bluestone. What had previously been a vehicle- centric motor court was transformed into a pedestrian-oriented space that, by emphasizing natural elements like the ...