High above Lake Austin in Austin, Texas, a once-humble 1950s cabin has been reshaped into something entirely new. Designed by LaRue Architects in collaboration with Britt Design Group, this renovation keeps just a hint of the home’s original hexagon form while expanding it into a modern getaway built for both quiet moments and lively gatherings.
With sweeping views over the water and a strong link between indoors and out, the home leans into its lakeside position with ease, balancing architecture and landscape in a way that feels natural without trying too hard.
A Familiar Beginning With an Unexpected Twist
The original house started life as a simple vacation cabin, typical of the area in the 1950s. Decades later, a 1970s addition altered its footprint, but not necessarily for the better. The later addition was removed entirely, allowing the original hexagon-shaped structure to stand out once again.
Turning the Hexagon Into a Private Escape
Rather than keeping the hexagon as a shared living space, it was transformed into the primary suite. This shift changes how the home is experienced, turning what was once communal into something more private and elevated.
From here, the views stretch across the lake in a full 180-degree sweep, making the unusual geometry feel intentional and immersive. It becomes one of the most memorable spaces in the house, not because it is loud, but because it feels completely aligned with the setting.
Building Around the Past
The rest of the home extends outward from this original structure. New spaces wrap around it, forming a layout that feels cohesive without losing the character of the older form.
At the center of it all is a covered outdoor entertaining area. Designed as a natural gathering point, it includes a lounge, dining space, and fireplace, creating an easy transition between indoor comfort and open-air living. Just beyond, steps lead down to a swimming pool that looks out toward the lake.
Living Spaces That Open to the View
The new living room and dining area sit alongside this outdoor zone, connected by a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The openness of the layout means light moves freely through the space, while the lake remains visible from nearly every angle. By keeping the plan open, the design allows the surroundings to take on a bigger role inside the home.
A Kitchen That Feels Like Furniture
Next to the main living areas, the kitchen introduces a more detailed layer of design. The cabinetry is lifted on wooden legs, creating a sense of lightness and separation from the floor.
A glass-front refrigerator adds a slightly unexpected touch, while a custom-built armoire keeps coffee equipment neatly tucked away. Together, these elements make the kitchen feel more like a collection of crafted pieces than a standard built-in setup.
Moments of Character Along the Way
Moving deeper into the home, smaller spaces begin to reveal their own identity. A wine cellar adds a sense of occasion, while the entryway makes an impression with a Steinway grand piano and sculptural lighting by Apparatus.
A hallway lined with wood flooring and built-in shelving ties everything together, offering both function and continuity between rooms.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms With a View
The primary bedroom, set within the hexagon, remains the standout. Its shape frames the lake from multiple angles, turning the view into part of the experience.
In the adjoining bathroom, dual vanities sit alongside a freestanding bathtub positioned near the windows, allowing light to filter in throughout the day.
Elsewhere, a secondary bathroom takes a different approach, pairing a dark vanity with a marbled surface and metallic lighting for contrast.
Extending Life to the Water’s Edge
Beyond the house itself, the renovation continues down to the lake. A two-level boat dock provides an additional place to relax, positioned directly above the water. It works as an extension of the home, offering yet another way to enjoy the setting, whether it is for entertaining or simply unwinding by the shoreline.
By keeping the original hexagon and letting it guide the rest of the design, this updated home feels layered without becoming complicated.