The Kinney Residence is a new 3200sf home designed on a uniquely-shaped lot with multiple constraints. An unbuildable ravine covers half the lot; tight easement lines and protected trees limit possibilities on the other half. The resulting wishbone-shaped house cradles a 34" live oak in the middle of the site and divides the house into public and private wings.

 

The one-story public wing optimizes entertainment possibilities by uniting the living, kitchen and dining into one space. Glass walls open to the courtyard and further fuse the social spaces. In the two-story private wing, a container for living conceals three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two roof decks provide full views of Austin's growing downtown skyline.