Riverview Gardens

Riverview Gardens Is a series of three Identical houses located In Austin, Texas, one block north of Lady Bird Lake. The homes were inspired by Hamilton pool, a deep natural escarpment that forms a dramatic waterfall near Austin.

Each unit contains 2,700-square-feet of conditioned space and an equivalent amount of outdoor living space. The units raised off the ground to provide covered parking and a recreation area below while capitalizing on views of the lake above the tree line.

Each house's plan is stretched on axis toward the river to frame the primary view while creating semi-private yards between the houses. The view of the lake drives the spatial organization. A series of glass and vegetative screens divide the primary spaces on each floor, each creating a filter between the public space facing the lake and the private space on the opposite side.

The houses are monolithic on the east/west axis and completely open with glass on the north/south axis, allowing uninterrupted views to the lake. The minimized footprint ensures large shared yards with dramatic 40 feet tall Brazilian hardwood walls. All roofs terraces are livable, designed as a partially enclosed "room" with tall translucent panels ensuring privacy while framing the views. 

Project name Riverview Gardens

Typology Multi-family residence

Location Austin, Texas

Year 2008

Status Built

Size 2,700 square feet per unit

Design Team Thomas Bercy, Calvin Chen