Located on the bank of Shoal Creek, one of two primary waterways traveling through Austin to the Colorado River, Belmont Park consists of two weathered Douglas fir clad volumes which rise above the creek from a flush limestone plinth.
The wood volumes are connected by a transparent living room bridge which spans a cavern carved into the limestone plinth. From the motor court one chooses to enter the house across an elevated walk-way to the front door or descend by stair into the stone cavern to a covered porch and private entry below.
Water captured from a natural uphill spring, mechanical condensate lines, and roof runoff flows through a runnel along-side the descending stair. The man-made canyon-scape and waterway celebrate the natural current of life to the creek below.
Interior volumes echo the simplicity of the house, scaled for intimate family gatherings, and focuses into the three canopy which shades the site. Interior finishes consist of a continuation of Douglas fir, distinguished from the weathered exterior by a lye finish, juxtaposed against blackened steel, hand-made ceramic tiles, and spare inserts of marble and brass.
The crisp rudimentary geometry of the house stripped of ornament, made of weathered natural exterior materials, and similar but finer interior finish reflects a marriage of the owner’s tastes, his affection for a rustic ranch-like aesthetic and her affinity for a more polished, refined languange.
To enter the house from the motor court, there is an elevated walkway leading up to the front door.Inside the living room, a cozy blue sectional sofa sits on a plush white shag rug, complemented by a wooden coffee table, and white throw pillows add a pop of color. The space is filled with natural light from the large windows.The living room has a warm neutral color scheme with accents of blue, including a plush sofa and a rustic wood coffee table. The large windows allow plenty of natural light and offer an outdoor view.The dining and kitchen areas have an open layout. The dining area featuring armchairs and an oval wooden dining table illuminated by an orbital lighting fixture.A modern kitchen includes a marble-topped island matching the countertop, built-in appliances, and the large windows creating an airy atmosphere.The stairs have a mix of concrete and wood paneling with wooden steps and steel railings.A kid’s bedroom has a bunk bed with a metal frame, a day bed, and a patterned rug, with a glass door leading to the backyard.The bathroom showcases a deep soaking tub, a walk-in shower enclosed with blurry light blue shade glass, and wrought iron fixtures adding a pop of color. The huge window provides an abundance of natural light.A home office features a wooden table paired with custom chairs and open shelving mounted on a wood-paneled wall. The cabinet against the concrete wall creates a classic look.The sunroom features a cushioned sofa paired with a log center table, warmed by a fireplace and covered with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.The game room includes a leather sofa, a pair of block tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows dressed with blackout curtains.A sitting area on the balcony has two wooden armchairs paired with a cylindrical coffee table, facing the forest.The man-made canyon-scape and waterway celebrate the natural current of life to the creek below.A staircase leads to a stone cavern and covered porch with a private entry below the house.The house is built with two weathered Douglas fir clad volumes that rise above the creek from a flush limestone plinth.The floor plans of the Belmont park house.The site plans of the Belmont park house.
