Beautiful Wood-Clad House With A Secret Stone Cavern

What might initially look like a regular little house in Austin, Texas turns out to be a really special build. This was a project completed last year by Tim Cuppett Architects. The house consists of two volumes clad in weathered wood which are connected by a transparent glass section that acts as a bridge. This is one of the distinctive design elements of this amazing project. The other one is a stone cavern which is carved into the limestone plinth.

The house is organized into large wood-clad volumes arranged in an L shape
The house is organized into large wood-clad volumes arranged in an L shape
The wood-clad volumes sit on a limestone plinth which is carved out to reveal an underground area
The wood-clad volumes sit on a limestone plinth which is carved out to reveal an underground area
the exterior of the house is built using weathered fir wood and has a very beautiful finish
the exterior of the house is built using weathered fir wood and has a very beautiful finish

The driveway leads into an area with access to two different areas. One is the main entrance accessible via an elevated walkway and the other is a private entry to the cavern area down the stairs. Inside, the design follows a very simple geometry. If the weathered Douglas fir on the exterior gave the house an almost black facade with a strong retro vibe, the interior is lighter, brighter and more modern by comparison. As a result, the spaces look and feel quite rustic but at the same time, they have a polished and more refined vibe.

The interior is brighter and more colorful by comparison, featuring white walls and large windows
The interior is brighter and more colorful by comparison, featuring white walls and large windows
There's also plenty of wood used throughout the interior design and this creates continuity between the indoor and the outdoor
There’s also plenty of wood used throughout the interior design and this creates continuity between the indoor and the outdoor
An elevated walkway leads to the main entrance which is through one of the wooden volumes
An elevated walkway leads to the main entrance which is through one of the wooden volumes
Bunk beds give this small bedroom a really cozy look and also maximize its space-efficiency
Bunk beds give this small bedroom a really cozy look and also maximize its space-efficiency
The bathroom has a shower area encased in textured glass with golden metal fixtures
The bathroom has a shower area encased in textured glass with golden metal fixtures
Although it has plenty of cool and unusual design features, the house maintains a simple and modest appearance
Although it has plenty of cool and unusual design features, the house maintains a simple and modest appearance
Dark colored walls give this recreational area a cozy and intimate look without fully embracing the rustic style
Dark colored walls give this recreational area a cozy and intimate look without fully embracing the rustic style
The interior design is an eclectic mix of modern and rustic elements which complement each other harmoniously
The interior design is an eclectic mix of modern and rustic elements which complement each other harmoniously
The kitchen is one of the most modern areas of the house, featuring a light color palette throughout
The kitchen is one of the most modern areas of the house, featuring a light color palette throughout
The large tree canopies offer lots of shade and also ensure privacy for most of the interior spaces
The large tree canopies offer lots of shade and also ensure privacy for most of the interior spaces
The living areas have full-height windows which expose them to the beautiful views and the surrounding landscape
The living areas have full-height windows which expose them to the beautiful views and the surrounding landscape
One of the windows frames a gorgeous tree with a sculptural trunk
One of the windows frames a gorgeous tree with a sculptural trunk