Overlook House | Lakeway, Texas, USA | 2024

Architects: A Parallel Architecture
Design Team: Eric Barth, Ryan Burke, and Aaron Manns
General Contractor: Arrowhead Construction
Client: Private
Photographers: Casey Dunn

The owners made the significant decision to relocate to Texas, not only to embark on a new chapter in their lives but also to create a residence aligned with long-term aspirations. Their vision extended beyond a permanent home; they sought to establish a space that would foster frequent and extended visits from their two sons and their families, aiming to create a central hub for family gatherings where bonds could be strengthened and memories made.

Understanding the importance of familial connections, the design of the home was meticulously crafted to support both collective experiences and individual relaxation. Every aspect of the layout, from spacious guest rooms to open-concept living areas, was thoughtfully designed to balance communal engagement with personal retreat. Shared spaces, such as the kitchen and dining areas, were created to facilitate family meals and celebrations, while more intimate living areas offer quiet retreats for relaxation.

The site offers expansive northeastern views of the lake, though it is otherwise constrained by adjacent properties and narrow lot lines. The primary challenge was to design a residence that provides a sense of openness in all directions while maintaining privacy and mitigating the impact of neighboring structures.

Perched on the edge of a bluff overlooking Lake Travis, this multi-story residence integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Embedded site walls anchor the structure to the rugged cliff face, grounding the home within the landscape. Above, soaring rooflines frame panoramic vistas of the lake while channeling prevailing breezes toward the various decks and patios, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Deep overhangs minimize solar heat gain, and the home’s massing is divided into two wings to optimize solar orientation, daylighting, and natural ventilation. Angled wings direct lake breezes, cooling the air across the pool and waterfall. Rainwater is collected from all roof surfaces, filtered into native gardens, and directed to the natural hillside to mimic local springs. The home features a highly efficient VRF HVAC system, providing optimal air quality and comfort through zoned climate control and post-occupancy performance audits. A large solar array on the south-facing roof meets 85% of the home’s annual energy needs.

A sunken car court discreetly conceals a four-car garage, topped with a verdant green roof that blends seamlessly with the environment. A striking steel and wood screen offers privacy from public view, while the entry court provides an inviting space. Expansive glass walls open to reveal sweeping lake vistas.

The home’s splayed layout is strategically oriented to maximize the breathtaking views. The open-plan living room flows seamlessly into an expansive covered patio and pool area, creating a direct connection to the lake below. The kitchen, positioned to overlook both the southern garden and eastern pool, enjoys direct access to a garden that provides both natural light and a tranquil retreat. On the upper level, a wing of guest rooms can be closed off when not in use, ensuring privacy while maintaining functionality. Across from this wing, a private office, tucked beneath a shed roof, extends over the pool and reaches toward the lake, offering an inspiring workspace with uninterrupted views.

This project embraces biophilic design, integrating natural materials throughout. Wood floors, ceilings, and windows create a seamless connection with nature. The upper levels are clad in thermally modified ash siding, a self-seeding wood treated without chemicals, while locally sourced metal siding is used in sun-exposed areas.

A vertical garden terraces down from the pool area, leading to a firepit terrace below. This lower level connects to an intimate family room, further enhancing the relationship between spaces and integrating the natural landscape into the design. Xeriscaping and native plant restoration enhance the home’s environmental integration, supporting wildlife and minimizing water use. The fluid connection between the home and its surroundings fosters a lifestyle that is both luxurious and deeply tied to the environment, establishing it as a true sanctuary on the edge of Lake Travis.