Beverly Skyline Residence

Waterfall.
Photograph by Mike Osborne.

Project details

• Project Name: Beverly Skyline Residence
• Project Type: Single Family Residence
• Principal Designer/s: Thomas Bercy, Calvin Chen
• Design Team: Thomas Bercy, Calvin Chen
• Contractor/s: Bercy Chen Studio LLP
• Date of commencement of project: 2003
• Date of completion of project: 2006
• Location of site: Austin, Texas
• Site Area: 1 acre
• Built-up Area: 2800 sq. feet

Words from the designer

"Too often buildings are treated and designed as disposable goods, not built to last and only used for short periods of time, after which they are torn down and replaced.

In this project, our concept revolved around the notions of recycling a building, reusing natural and manmade resources, and reclaiming the ancient ideal that - buildings can and should be sacred places, especially the home.

The project began as a modest remodel, but turned into a full master planning for the site; including complete interior and exterior recycle, an addition to an existing 1970's home, as well as re-organization of the garden.

Due to the poor situation of the house with respect to the site, a large motivation of the design was to reconnect the house with its site by utilizing the steep topography to capture the expansive views."

Recycled glass wall.
Photograph by Mike Osborne.

"One goal was to integrate the architecture with the native garden and creek at the bottom of the property.

To fully enjoy the reclaimed views, the house is wrapped by exterior decks with glass railings. The inspiration is Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, Japan, (founded 7th century A.D.) which sits above the landscape and provides panoramic views of the city.

The property owner is an attorney by profession but enjoyed being intimately involved with the planning and execution of the design, even physically building and landscaping much of the grounds; the project was truly a labor of love."

Pond.
Photograph by Mike Osborne.

"In the spirit of reclaiming value, recycled materials are employed at every possible opportunity. The front facade of the house is comprised of recycled glass blocks, which were provided by the owner.

The originally monolithic nature of the house is further dematerialized with slats installed as rain screens.

This wall assembly seems to dissolve the facade of the house, particularly at corner conditions.

The project also makes extensive use of harvested rainwater stored in pools and reservoirs to re-connect the house with its site. The water system lends a sense of drama to the intervention. A series of cascading ponds serve as part of the rainwater collection system on the utilitarian level. On an aesthetic level, it provides a peaceful transition between the landscape and the built form. The ponds are made with salvaged steel sheets and poured-in-place concrete."

Living room.
Photograph by Mike Osborne.

"Architectural elements are treated as installation artwork and sculptures in this project. For instance, the front door is a copper box taking on characteristics of the Donald Judd sculptures. Gutter drains are made with clear Plexiglas tube so the downward journey of water is appreciated and the rainwater re-harvesting process is better understood, the simple movement of water becomes an animating agent for the architecture and the landscape."

Credits

• Text by Bercy Chen Studio LLP
• Photographs by Mike Osborne, Courtesy of the Architect
• Compiled and Edited by Varun M Ajani