Adult Tree Houses Take Root in Austin, Texas by Mark Odom Studio

Article source: Mark Odom Studio

Mark Odom Studio, subdivided this one-acre, heavily treed property in Austin, Texas to become four duplex lots, equaling eight individual residences along a shared drive.
Each duplex was designed around adjacent trees and desirable views, highlighting specific site amenities per unit. And while the building form and materials are similar across the project, each unit has its own unique characteristics that create individuality from building to building. Privacy and views have been carefully planned so that there’s no interruption when wanting to enjoy the interior and exterior of each home.

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

• Architects: Mark Odom Studio
• Project: Adult Tree Houses Take Root
• Location: Austin, Texas, USA
  
• Structural: MJ Structures
• Builder: Acero Construction
• Developer: Little City Development

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

The one acre project site, which originally housed just one single-family home, was divided into four separate lots, commonly known as an infill. “This type of build strategically densifies an underutilized parcel of land while keeping the same scale of the neighborhood,” explains Mark Odom, founding principal of Mark Odom Studio.

The buildings were planned with every sustainable notion possible—proper sound transmittance ratings, cross-ventilation, and little impact on the existing site and trees—intertwining the natural world with a man-made one. The landscape promotes social engagement among property owners, creating pleasant opportunities for neighbors to engage and meet.

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

“Existing trees were used not only as focal points for each building but also for various interior rooms, nestling each structure around the patterned landscape,” says Odom of the unique approach. “Room and window placement was then key so that each structure could take full advantage of its placement in the natural landscape — and still maintain privacy from neighbors.”

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

To turn house into tree house, Odom and team worked hard to bring the outdoors inside, utilizing windows, balconies, and glass doors throughout to allow for views of the existing tree canopies. It's a technique, says Odom, that defines much of the team's design ethos This results, explains Odom, in eight unique floor plans in either two- or three-bedroom options. Though different in design, each of the eight condos has a trademark modern style built out with high-end finishes, cement floors, and pops of wood and steel.

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Image Courtesy © Mark Odom Studio

Tags: Texas, USA

Categories: House, Residential

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