ESPANOLA TRAIL RESIDENCE

Location:

West Austin, Texas

Collaborators:

Field + Form

Date Completed:

2014

A front yard meadow provides a cheerful and welcoming entry to this West Austin residence. Native grasses and shrubs provide dynamic beauty throughout the year while attracting native pollinators and birds. A simple courtyard in the ‘Marfa style’ for fires, outdoor movies and family gatherings was incorporated in a space between the recently remodeled home and an added two-story office and garage building.

Stormwater management was paramount for the site, as the area adjacent to the back of the house previously held standing water after heavy rains. A network of swales, ephemeral water features and a rain garden were incorporated into the design to direct stormwater flows, support native plants and give structure to the landscape. The backyard design included a deck that seamlessly ties the indoor and outdoor living spaces, a vegetable garden, additional native meadow plantings and a gathering space up a contemporary steel and gravel staircase.