LACEBACK TERRACE || Contemporary Architecture Meets Texas Hill Country Elegance
The Texas Hill Country is renowned for its rugged beauty and expansive vistas, and Laceback Terrace, a stunning residence by LaRue Architects, embodies this spirit with a contemporary touch.
Perched in the Barton Creek Preserve on a 0.75-acre lot, the 5,249-square-foot home is a testament to architectural harmony, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings while offering modern luxury.
The home’s striking facade combines roughback Lueders limestone, Sapele wood, and metal panels, seamlessly blending with the Texas Hill Country landscape.
Set into a site with a 30-foot drop from street level to the rear, the home makes a bold yet respectful statement. Its design capitalizes on the topography, subtly stepping down into a natural shelf six feet below the street elevation. This purposeful positioning grounds the home and ensures sweeping views of Austin’s Hill Country and the Barton Creek Preserve are front and center.
A dramatic entrance showcases polished concrete floors and bold abstract art, setting the tone for the home’s refined interiors.
Floor-to-ceiling glass frames uninterrupted views of the Barton Creek Preserve, while custom walnut millwork and curated furnishings create an inviting space.
“The house was meticulously positioned to capitalize on the sweeping vistas of Austin’s Hill Country and Barton Creek Preserve,” shares James LaRue of LaRue Architects. Floor-to-ceiling glass throughout the main living spaces dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, immersing residents in the landscape’s natural beauty. Polished concrete floors extend this sense of continuity, their sleek finish echoing the muted grays of the surrounding limestone terrain.
The material palette further cements the home’s connection to its environment. Roughback Lueders limestone anchors the structure, complemented by Sapele wood siding and soffits that introduce warmth. Metal panels and stucco add a contemporary flair, creating a balance of texture and tone that resonates with the natural and modern aesthetic.
The custom blackened steel vent hood and walnut cabinetry create a warm yet contemporary kitchen designed for culinary creativity.
A secondary kitchen space offers additional functionality, with dark cabinetry and open shelving providing ample storage space.
Frosted glass windows fill the primary bath with natural light while floating walnut cabinetry adds an element of modern sophistication.
Inside, the interiors designed by Kelle Contine Interior Design are both functional and refined. Custom walnut millwork subtly defines spaces, while the colour palette—a sophisticated mix of rust, charcoal, and brass—adds depth and warmth. A custom blackened steel vent hood in the kitchen pairs with Ann Sacks’ Savoy tile backsplash, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail. Designed for a family that loves to cook, the kitchen is equipped with ample storage and refrigeration, underscoring its role as a central hub.
The home’s design also embraces the Texas climate. The rear of the home, where the sun rises, is outfitted with glass doors that open to an expansive terrace, while the front side, facing the harsh afternoon sun, is predominantly closed off. Below the main level, the architects utilized the natural slope to create additional living spaces, including a sauna and an exercise room with direct terrace access.
The open-plan living area seamlessly transitions to the outdoors, emphasizing light, space, and connection to nature.
One of the project’s unique features is a 682-square-foot casita near the street. Carefully integrated into the hillside, it serves as a private retreat while maintaining a cohesive connection to the main residence.
Laceback Terrace exemplifies how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between architecture and nature. By honouring the site’s natural attributes and embracing a material palette inspired by the landscape, LaRue Architects and their collaborators have crafted a home that feels both timeless and innovative.
The rear terrace features a serene pool and firepit, ideal for enjoying the expansive Texas sunsets.
PROJECT DETAILS
Architects: LaRue Architects
Interior Design: Kelle Contine Interior Design
Project Build: Elev8
Photos: Chase Daniel