Materials
The architect and owner carefully selected a material palette to complement the waterfront setting.
The primary materials were massaranduba, glass, travertine, copper and plaster. Massaranduba, a Brazilian hardwood, is used for siding, exterior decking, interior flooring and cabinetry. Glass was used for exterior glazing and interior accents. Travertine was used for the pool coping and interior bathrooms. The roof and soffits were constructed from copper. Finally, polished plaster was used on interior walls to provide a wall finish with depth and interest.
The interior walls feature polished plaster. The multi-layer process results in a wall finish with visual depth and reflective qualities. Additionally, because of the nature of the material, the plaster mediates temperature changes.
Copper is a durable material with interesting aesthetic qualities. As a roof material, copper has a one-hundred year life. Copper is also employed on the soffits, naturally reflecting the sunlight and water patterns. In the kitchen, copper's durability and anti-microbial qualities make it an excellent choice as a countertop material.
On the children's floor, the warmth of the massranduba imbues the acrylic with a jewel like quality. The acrylic is highly durable, does not show fingerprints and is perfectly safe with energetic children.
Natural materials, including water and grass, complement the construction materials.
The use of glass gives the project an abstract quality where an element as common as a chimney dissolves into the surrounding sky.
The warmth and color variations inherent in the massaranduba siding provide an interesting background for the uniformity of the stainless steel components.
Furniture
The Peninsula Residence strikes a balance between built-in and conventional furniture.
Although the interior design relies on high-end European furniture brands, including Flexform and Team 7, the numerous integrated furniture elements define several spaces.
In the second floor library, integrated desk and game table amplify the illusion that the library was carved from a block of wood. Both playful and functional, the library facilities private contemplation and social interaction.
The built-in bunks in the boy's bedroom remind one of the cabin of a fine sailing yacht or the berths on a luxury train. The room is the perfect escape for a younger child, but is designed to convert to a full size bed when the owner's child reaches the teenage years.
The integrated curved sofa/lounger in the upstairs television room provides a comfortable setting for watching a movie and doubles as a 5th or 6th bedroom.
The project asks many rooms to serve multiple functions. In the master bedroom, custom folding doors conceal an efficient work space, storage and television. When closed, the master bedroom stands as serene, restful retreat. However, as needed, the functional aspects of the work center can be accessed.
The conversational area in the family room creates an intimate social space. The raised platform provides a shift of perspective that changes the encounter with the home and the lake.
Something as simple as an entry table is transformed when integrated as part of the overall design.
The lakeside bench on the boat dock deck utilizes the slat design employed on the shade structure.
A small bench creates a hidden retreat next to the owner's herb garden.
A delicate, black monolith announces the entry and provides a bin for parcel deliveries.
Fire + Water
Natural elements inform the project. The waterfront setting makes water a central element balanced by fire in both wood and gas burning fireplaces.
A modern gas fireplace contrasts with the adjacent reflecting pond.
Tinted glass sheaths the two chimneys mirroring the Austin skyline in the distance.
The water bounded by the reflecting pond and pool provide a dynamic element that contrasts with the material palette.
The front entry courtyard features a water feature with papyrus and lilly pads. The flowing water in the courtyard alludes to the lake front view beyond.
Doors
Because of the attention to detail required by the project, off-the-shelf components rarely satisfied the project specifications.
The project relies on custom hardware. Skilled craftsman manufactured many of the doors and hardware components on-site. The custom doors and hardware lend to the overall impression created by the project.
The custom entry gate pivots on an off-center post to provide an dramatic view through the courtyard, past the front door and onto the lake.
The home's front door is constructed of starfire clear glass using custom hardware. The starfire glass is almost transparent creating the illusion of the entry courtyard extending into the home. Because the front door does not receive direct sun, there was no need to use tinted glass on this door.
The custom exterior door seamlessly integrates with the massaranduba siding, providing an understated entry to the solarium.
The boat dock storage locker evokes naval architectural precedents.
All of the sliding and pocket doors used in the home were manufactured by the craftsmen employed on the project. This door features a powder coated frame and etched glass panels that reflect lake views.
Skilled stainless steel welders made many of the hardware pieces used on exterior gates.
The ability to fabricate stainless steel components lent flexibility to the design process.
Hardware was designed to accomplish specific functions and enhance the design scheme.