On a quiet suburban street in Austin, Texas, a family of four has built a home that does something rare. It turns an ordinary lot into a place shaped by trees, light and daily life outdoors. Designed by Austin based firm Alterstudio Architecture, the house is planned around an existing live oak, with a front patio that features a precise cut out allowing the tree to grow straight through the structure.
This moment at the front of the house immediately signals that nature plays a central role here. The patio is sheltered by a warm wood ceiling, while the live oak rises effortlessly through it, connecting the ground to the sky above. The home sits close to parks, schools and neighborhood amenities, yet feels unexpectedly private thanks to its careful orientation and the wooded escarpment and creek beyond the rear of the property.
At the entry, the warmth of the wood ceiling is offset by a bold black front door, positioned beside a large window. Together, they strike a balance between solidity and openness, offering glimpses of the light filled interior beyond while maintaining a sense of privacy from the street.
Inside, the wood ceiling continues seamlessly from the exterior, stretching across the interior spaces and reinforcing a strong horizontal flow throughout the one storey home. Beneath it, white terrazzo floors reflect natural light and provide a clean, durable surface that anchors the home’s material palette.
The dining room sits comfortably within the open plan layout, framed by floor to ceiling windows that pull in views of trees, sky and shifting light throughout the day. A simple white light hangs above the dining table, subtly defining the space without competing with the surrounding landscape.
Just beside the dining area, the kitchen becomes a focal point of daily life. Dark cabinetry introduces contrast against light countertops, while a metallic backsplash adds depth and reflection. The kitchen is designed to act as a central gathering space that remains visually connected to the outdoors.
At the rear of the home, indoor living opens fully to an expansive outdoor area. Here, another cut out in the roof allows light and rain to enter, reinforcing the home’s connection to the elements. A swimming pool, wood deck and outdoor lounge area create a setting for relaxation and entertaining, all overlooking the natural backdrop of the site’s escarpment and creek.
Back inside, one of the bathrooms continues the home’s restrained yet tactile material language. Textured white tiles cover the walls, while wood cabinetry echoes the wood ceiling above, creating a sense of warmth and cohesion even in more intimate spaces.
Throughout the house, the architecture is defined by a careful balance between enclosure and openness. Live oaks, filtered light and framed views shape the experience of each room, turning everyday moments into quiet interactions with nature.