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Balcones Residence

Austin, Texas

During the 1950s, architect Roland Roessner taught at The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture and designed some of the city’s most daring modern structures. One of his more memorable houses, located on Balcones Drive, is notable for its prominently cantilevered concrete balcony perched above a long, sloping hillside, with Camp Mabry as its backyard. Though previously unacquainted with the period, new owners delved into all things mid-century modern and hired the firm to assist with a deliberate and sensitive renovation of this Austin treasure.

Early on in the process of renovation, the need to enlarge the original footprint of the home became apparent, though preserving the original character of the site and maintaining the prominence of the historic structure were of utmost importance. The addition of office and utility to the north and guest rooms to the south were purposefully set back from the original house and are minimally discernible from the street. The finished renovation is 2,680 square feet and includes a one bedroom, one and a half bath main house and a two bedroom guest house.