Lantern House by Bercy Chen Studio

Set in the heart of Bouldin Creek, a vibrant and walkable neighbourhood in Austin, Texas, Lantern House is woven around a grove of mature oak trees, offering well-proportioned interior spaces connected to generous, liveable courtyards.

Designed by Bercy Chen Studio, in collaboration with developer Digs, Lantern House offers a playful counterpoint to Bouldin Creek’s local character, which comprises old bungalows and eclectic new infill houses. “We are always interested in learning from the vernacular and being sensitive to the site,” says Calvin Chen, principal of Bercy Chen Studio. Embracing a contemporary, white brick form using simple proportions, Lantern House differentiates itself from the surrounding “urban cacophony,” describes Chen. “Our goal was to create a house unique to Austin that would get people excited,” adds Brita Wallace, founder and developer at Digs.

Embracing a contemporary, white brick form using simple proportions, Lantern House differentiates itself from the surrounding “urban cacophony,” describes Chen.

The design team was committed to preserving as many of the site’s oak trees as possible – four of which were considered ‘protected trees’ by the City of Austin. Bercy Chen Studio carefully notched the home’s footprint around the established landscape, defining a series of indoor-outdoor living spaces on the first and second floor. Large spans of glass draw in light and landscape, giving a sense of “living in a treehouse amongst established canopies,” reveals Brita.

Collaborating on the project’s interiors, Holm Design embraced a pared-back philosophy. “Shadows and daylight are the stars of the show here, we just designed their set,” says Joe Holm, principal of Holm Design. White oak floors and cabinetry honour the natural surroundings, complemented by exposed white brick and crisp plastered walls. The bathrooms comprise two distinct personalities: clean and modern in the ground floor’s primary ensuite, and earthy and moody in the upper-level secondary ensuites. “When light peeks in from one of the many skylights, it dances on a variety of soothing and calm materials,” describes Holm.

Bercy Chen Studio carefully notched the home’s footprint around the established landscape, defining a series of indoor-outdoor living spaces on the first and second floor.

With soothing repose and a relaxed modesty, Lantern House creates “a well-proportioned blank canvas for city living,” describes Chen. The home’s borrowed landscape skilfully balances privacy and connection, with spaces flowing elegantly between. Instead of maxing out buildable land, the design team has crafted a thoughtful, tree-hugging vessel of a home that touches the site lightly. “Lantern House provides a tranquil sanctuary designed with quiet restraint to optimise the fundamental pleasures of architecture – natural light, well-proportioned spaces and a heightened awareness of nature,” muses Chen.

Architecture by Bercy Chen Studio. Interior Design by Holm Design. Build by Matt Sitra Custom Homes. Engineering by Structures. Development by Digs.