University Hills
A renovation for a growing family, focused on creating more space and a layout that better supports everyday life. Moving the kitchen, improving the entry, and introducing more natural light allowed us to make better use of the existing house while giving it a stronger connection to the outdoors.
- University Hills · Austin, Texas
- Residential
- 2,725 SF
- Completed 2023
- Builder: Blueprint Builders
- Photography: Chase Daniel
The kitchen was at the center of the project. As a professional chef, the client needed a generous space that could support both family life and her work. Moving the kitchen to the edge of the house opened up the plan and created a direct connection to the landscape. A large window above the sink brings natural light into the space and gives the kitchen a stronger relationship to the outdoors.
In the addition, a family room replaces what could have been an attic, allowing the ceiling to vault and soften. A small circular window tucked into the curved ceiling brings natural light into the room and adds an unexpected detail.
The existing fireplace was in poor condition, so we rebuilt it rather than simply repairing it. This allowed us to reshape it around the new layout and make it feel like an intentional part of the renovated house.
The primary suite sits close to the neighboring property line, making privacy an important consideration. A long, continuous skylight brings generous natural light into the bathroom while keeping the view directed upward and away from the neighboring house.
Striped tile carries from the walls across the floor, creating a continuous surface that adds pattern and character to the kids’ bathroom.
