Ridge Oak Residence

Located in the hills of the Highland Park neighborhood of Austin, this sloping residential site is characterized by mature oaks and sweeping views of the city beyond. The proposed modern residence terraces with the site, creating a variety of outdoor rooms. 

The front yard is divided into two rooms: a sedge garden beneath majestic oaks and a xeric garden, which frames the entry walk. Down through the breezeway and past the pool deck is a fire pit terrace, where seating is immersed in aromatic and culinary plantings. A series of stairs link the fire pit terrace to the native play lawn below. An informal path invites exploration of the woodland garden at the lower end of the yard.

Inside the home, views open onto the pool terrace, extend to the lower lawn and woodland garden below, and borrow views of neighboring vegetation. Views to neighboring properties are screened at key locations using a combination of evergreen planting, green walls, privacy fencing, and vined trellises.

All together, these garden rooms invite family life outdoors and provide a dynamic indoor-outdoor experience.