Henri II
A new home and library for an artist and architectural historian
Design Team: Murray Legge, Lincoln Davidson
Structural Engineering: Fort Structures
Contractor: Green Places
Photography: Leonid Furmansky
Size: 1,653 sf
Year Completed: 2023
This project began as a collaboration between an artist and architectural historian aimed to make a contemporary house within the confines of their compact historic lot in Central Austin. Their plan was to create a modern house nestled in the backyard while preserving the charm of their existing 1940s, 850-square-foot Arts and Crafts bungalow. Rather than add an addition to the original structure, they envisioned a complementary new companion house: a ruggedly modern home capable of coexisting in balance with the existing house, offering the potential for dual occupancy or future use of either building.
The back of the lot is situated along a commercial alley, just 15 feet away from businesses and offices. The new structure was designed to fit into this urban context. The front entrance opens onto the alley, and its scale and concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls were designed to blend seamlessly into the rugged backdrop of an increasingly urbanized city. Meanwhile, the original cottage and its picturesque landscape were left intact, maintaining a warm and welcoming front to the historic neighborhood.
The house was constructed with double wythe CMU exterior walls and an internal steel and Douglas fir frame. All essential systems, including plumbing, mechanical, and electrical components, were deliberately left exposed, ensuring convenient maintenance and access for future modifications.
The home’s living space primarily serves as a library, with a striking two-story bookshelf housing an extensive collection of art and architectural books. The main section features an open living space and kitchen on the first floor, accompanied by a lofted primary suite above. The small utility wing accommodates storage, laundry, and a second bathroom.
