Few houses are more appropriately named than the House in Trees Residence. Built by Cuppett Architects, and situated in Austin, Texas, it is a structure that is effortlessly ensconced in its forest environment.
While the surroundings take clear pride of place, something that stands out from the exterior of the structure is the prevalence of clean geometric lines. In particular, there is an abundance of parallel vertical lines. The sheer black pillars that support the flat roof are placed at equal intervals around the building. A tighter arrangement of parallel, vertical wood beams is present above the entrance of the house. Likewise, the cladding features parallel lines stretching from ground to roof.
This quite angular layout could quite easily pose a stark contrast with its environs but the grey and brown of the trees is expertly mimicked in the tones present in the structure. Likewise, the overall minimalism of the structure, present in the aforementioned black pillars supporting the roof and the parallel wood panelling, are anything but imposing.
The theme of vertical parallel lines continues indoors. This is most notable in the staircase, which has the stairs suspended by steel suspension. This curious design is distinctly evocative of the staircases in Eero Saarinen’s GM Technical Centre. It is also there in the black pillars that continue into the interior, indicating their centrality as the overall support for the home.
This interior design is overall a wonderful instance of minimalist modernism. Modernist furniture appears intermittently throughout the house, most notably in the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair. However, the layout is not overburdened by these pieces. Rather, they are featured sparingly, conveying a level of tastefulness perfectly in keeping with the rest of the design.
Photos via Cuppett Architects
