challenge:  Convert a downtown Historic Building into a private residence. The existing space was an eccentric 21’ wide by 150’ deep. Each of three floors was fire damaged, dark, and smelled of pigeons.

Solution:   The concept is to embrace the length and height of the building. Living spaces are flooded with light from above and a new steel structural system defines comfortable “rooms”. Natural light is transmitted down through a sliver of space carved out of each floor along the South edge. That opening houses a straight run stair that climbs from Congress Avenue up through the roof. A mosaic tile pool is supported over the stair; skylights on the pool floor dapple light down through the building. Upon reaching the top level by stair or elevator, one is confronted with stunning views of the Austin skyline beyond the pool and roof garden.