River Hills Cabin

The River Hills Residence is a lakeside retreat that overlooks a sweeping lawn shaded by towering native pecan and bald cypress trees. A path from the main house leads to a swimming pool, guest house, and boat dock whose design captures the laid-back ethos of Austin.

The weathering steel exterior of the main house carries over to the 1,300-square-foot guest cabin, which was conceived as a carved volume whose motorized sliding glass walls invite the lake environment inside at the press of a button. Chosen for their durability, polished concrete floors accentuate the continuity from interior to exterior. The ceiling and soffits are clad in reclaimed long-leaf pine. A wine cellar separates the open kitchen, dining, and living space from the private bedroom and full bath. A small powder bath is accessible from the outdoor space, as well as an outdoor rinse shower that cascades from a narrow slit in one of the weathering steel panels.

Shaded by a native pecan tree, the outdoor kitchen features an island with built-in appliances in front of a grilling suite that features a custom smoker designed by a local chef. The multiple cooking options create a gathering space for the outdoor patio as well as a space from which to entertain. From the cabin, a path leads to a weathering steel boat dock floating in the shallow waters of Lake Austin.

PROJECT
River Hills Cabin

LOCATION
Austin, Texas

SCOPE
New Construction

PHOTOGRAPHY
Paul Finkel