PROJECTS PRESS ABOUT CONTACT
  • Year
  • 2018
  • Project
  • Bold Ruler
  • Type
  • Residential
  • Area
  • 4,730 SF
  • Location
  • Austin, TX
  • Services
  • Design | Construction
  • Photography
  • Andrea Calo
  • About

  • Perched on a limestone slope overlooking the Texas Hill Country, Bold Ruler House takes inspiration from the clustered forms of ancient Roman and Etruscan hillside towns. The design is composed of interlocking stucco and glass volumes that project outward from the terrain, anchored by massive demising walls of locally quarried limestone. More than four hundred hand-set blocks, each weighing over two tons, form the structural core of the home, giving it a quiet sense of permanence within the landscape.

    Entry occurs from the street above, where the house appears modest in scale before revealing its dramatic descent into the hillside. The main level extends from the slope and cantilevers over the valley, framing sweeping Hill Country views through continuous floor-to-ceiling glazing. The great room unfolds between two limestone walls and opens onto a negative-edge pool and spa, creating an unbroken dialogue between interior, water, and horizon.

    A double-height flex space bridges the public areas and the primary suite, which culminates in a private deck suspended above the terrain. The composition of stone, glass, and stucco is unified beneath a weathered-steel roof whose patina recalls the wabi-sabi elegance of the nearby Pennybacker Bridge. Together, these elements root Bold Ruler House in its setting, both rugged and refined, enduring and light.

Modern hillside home with dark metal roof, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, wood deck and infinity pool
Modern entrance with limestone walls, wood-framed glass doors, flat black roof overhang and gravelModern home with limestone block walls and rust-colored metal roof set into grassy hillside
Modern living room with limestone wall opening to wood deck terrace with corten steel railing and
Textured limestone wall with diagonal chisel marks and natural light creating shadow patterns

 

Bold Ruler First Floor Plan

Level 1

Bold Ruler Second Floor Plan

Level 2

Stone wall facade with two narrow windows, wooden deck and pool, corten steel overhang aboveOpen plan living area with stone walls wood-framed glass doors white kitchen and gray sectional sofa
Interior hallway with rough-cut limestone walls, wood-framed window, and view to outdoor terrace
Interior staircase with rough-cut limestone wall glass railing and view to outdoor deck beyondModern staircase with floating wooden treads against textured stone wall and black steel structure
Interior view through limestone doorway connecting rooms with dark wood floors and modern blackModern bedroom with limestone block wall, wood-framed glass doors, gray rug, and minimalist bed
Modern single-story home with white stucco walls stone columns and copper roof at sunset with green

Work Performed by Bercy Chen Studio

Bold Ruler