BALCONES MCM

This house was originally designed by Emil Niggli and Barton D. Riley in 1957 on the winding Balcones Drive in Highland Hills. The owners are mid-century enthusiasts and supporters of preservation; with this project they have become good examples for a neighborhood that is experiencing an unsettling trend of mid-century house demolitions. 

  • The end result is an interior that honors its midcentury dwelling while beautifully meeting the modern needs of the homeowners. The structural layout of the house was our guiding principle, and we used this grid to lay out a rational system of walls and cabinetry. At the same time, we opened up some of the corners to create a dynamic relationship between living, kitchen, and front walk way.

    Despite needing a new, better functioning kitchen, the owners didn't want to lose all of the midcentury modern charm. The terrazzo floors were another important midcentury detail that drove the design.

    As a master plasterer, the owner took a unique approach to his home's renovation. He refinished all the drywall surfaces to a smooth, fine plaster-with the interior walls and fireplace refinished with a French plaster mix called Stuc Pierre. The island countertop as well as the open shelving was milled from a felled American Elm from his workshop site.

    PROJECT TEAM:

    ARCHITECTURE BY Rick & Cindy Black Architects; GENERAL CONTRACTOR Davenport Builders; PLASTER BY Sloan Houser; PHOTOGRAPHY BY Whit Preston (kitchen) Leonid Furmansky (bath)

Austin architecture. Modern kitchen with yellow tile backsplash, wooden cabinets, open glass shelves with glassware and bowls, large window, and stainless steel appliances.
Austin architecture. Mid-century Modern kitchen with wooden accents, yellow tiled backsplash, and a round dining table with colored chairs.
Austin architecture. Mid-century Modern Open-concept living space with wooden accents, large windows, modern kitchen appliances, and mid-century furniture.
Austin architecture. Mid-century Modern Interior view of a modern home with a wooden wall, a wall clock, and a dining table with chairs, featuring a mix of wood and white walls and large windows.
Interior view of a modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a partial view of a dining table in front, and a glimpse of a living room with a sofa and large window with trees outside.
Living room with yellow sofas, a white brick fireplace, a Chinese drum, and a colorful rug, with a dining area and balcony in the background.
Modern kitchen with yellow tile backsplash, wooden cabinets, blue wall-mounted cabinets, and a sliding glass door leading outside.
Bathroom with a large mirror, sink with soap dispenser, wall art, and a view into a bedroom with a bed, nightstand, lamps, and window.
Modern bathroom with white tiled walls, a glass shower enclosure, dark brown mosaic shower floor, and wooden cabinets.
Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity, a white sink, and a large mirror. Three pendant lights hang from the ceiling. There are two teal towels on towel bars and small decorative bottles on the counter. A window and shower are visible in the background.
A wooden cabinet with two drawers and round metal handles, black countertop, a white tray with three beige ceramic bottles, and a window with black frame in the background.
Modern house entrance with covered porch, potted plants, and a view of the outdoor patio with a round table and chairs.
next project