Our studio is located in an urban neighborhood in east central Austin. It is a two-acre compound of new and existing structures, slowly becoming a living, working experiment in sustainable values, strategies, and technologies. Situated at a junction along a major arterial and a slice of residential neighborhood, with mature groves of oaks, a flowing stream, and large city-owned green space at its east border, the site is at an intersection of mixed land types, offering both urban and rural experiences and affording many opportunities.

With a conceptual master plan underway, the site is being developed with the intention that it serves and articulates the needs of a long future of occupants who live, work, and build on its productive capacity in balance with the natural environment. Our goals, under the general mantle of sustainability, include an integration of the principles of permaculture; exploration of alternative energy and the cyclic use of water; minimizing resource use; development of various architectural ideas and building techniques; pursuit of art and craft; cultivating social vitality with live-work spaces; fostering a dynamic learning environment; and treasuring elements of natural wildness. The property will evolve into a sort of microcosmic urban/ rural village.

In the immediate context of sustainable measures, special emphasis has been placed on making use of existing built structures and features. Creative renovations and additions have given new life to old buildings, while recycling on-site materials has included windows, concrete, and lumber. The new studio, currently under construction, constitutes a collection of 'green' technologies and alternative elements such as a low impact pin foundation system, regionally-fabricated compressed straw structural insulated panels, re-used low-E glazing, clerestory daylighting, solar thermal chimney, minimal and salvaged interior finishes, rainwater harvesting, graywater use, photovoltaic shade awning, and green roof. With low-slope shed roofs and steel structures, the studio and the recently built metal shop are two members of the new family of buildings, relying on a tracery of repetitive light-weight steel trusses, built on-site, creating a cohesive feel across the compound. Finally, close proximity to the urban core and the adjacent development of old Mueller Airport allows for alternative forms of transportation, keeping cars off the road.