There's a lot of daydreaming that happens on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin Homes Tour, an annual self-guided exploration showcasing 13 houses around the Texas capital. Designed to promote architectural excellence and quality craftsmanship, the event sees each house opened to ticket holders on October 28 and 29, when you can peruse the residences on your own schedule. All the homes are ogle-worthy, but a few stand out from the sleekly designed pack.
All photos by Leonid Furmansky
Thollander (Barley|Pfeiffer): Modeled after the Modern style, which became popular in the first half of the 20th century and incorporates heavy use of glass, steel and concrete, the 3,967-square-foot Thollander in Southwest Austin has bucked the style’s harsher attributes and gone green, implementing natural lighting, rain-water collection and minimal landscape maintenance. The back of the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home sports wide glass windows that face a pool, creating a semi-outdoor, totally Palm Springs–esque living room.
Inwood Place Home (Tim Cuppett Architects): Originally a dark, low-ceilinged 1,800-square-foot house, Inwood Place Home was purchased by midcentury enthusiasts who wanted to give it some serious love and care—and a complete gutting, which is what happened here. The roof now floats above clerestory windows, and a central “jewel box” room obscures any view of the neighboring apartment complex. Bookworms will love the built-in bookshelves that populate the home.
Retama House (FAB Architecture): Fans of classic modernism will find the Retama House, a 2,903-square-foot home in Bouldin, a dream abode. Built with burnished white plaster with broad overhangs, Retama’s bright, airy rooms flow seamlessly into one another. When visiting the house, you’ll find light streaming in at every corner, a beautiful patio that hovers above a car port, and a sculptural staircase made with steel and white oak that acts as a winding spine connecting all levels of the house.
Darnall House (Atlantis Architects): Unlike some of the brand-spanking-new homes on this tour, the Darnall House is backed by 75 years of history. Originally built in 1940, the designated city landmark was one of the first Austin homes to celebrate the flat-roof style. Visitors will find both old and new elements here: A wood-paneled office boasts built-in bookshelves and rustic furniture, while a new open kitchen balances a modern marble countertop with a retro Lacanche oven.
Grab your tickets to the AIA Homes Tour here; ticket prices are $35.50 in advance or $40.50 the same day.