Dezeen
Vertical strips surround white Barcode House in Austin by Webber + Studio
Written by Bridget Cogley | Original Article
US firm Webber + Studio has covered this family home in Austin with metal cladding that features raised strips of varying widths. Barcode House is one of the many new buildings in the Texan city's Bouldin neighborhood. It was constructed amongst existing trees on a Columbus Street lot, which restricted the home's layout.
"This new home was designed for a family of four on a small lot that appeared unbuildable given an enormous pair of Live Oak trees and their critical root zone," said Webber + Studio. The building's metal cladding has raised vertical strips that create a pattern similar to a barcode, but its painted entirely white to stand out from the foliage.
The 1,700-square-foot (158-square-metre) structure has a front-facing garage and decked steps along the left side leading up to an orange-coloured door. While the street facade only has a small amount of glazing, the back features much larger windows to maximise natural light entering the home.
Inside, plywood walls are coated in a clear glaze, making the space feel rustic yet clean, and the floors are poured concrete. “The house reflects the personalities of the pair of owners," said the firm. "Plywood interior wall surfaces and stained concrete floors are warm and relaxed, reflecting her hard-working earthiness and contrast with his tech-y entrepreneurialism reflected in the scrappy but resourceful 'bar-code' exterior siding pattern.”
Webber + Studio collaborated with local firm Cravotta Interiors for the interior decor. A living room features a leather couch, two metal chairs and a separate reading nook. To the left of the entryway is a kitchen with an island that serves as both eating and preparation space. Wooden chairs offset the black countertops and cabinets.
Next to the kitchen is an outdoor deck, adding more living space to the home. The garden is visible from virtually anywhere on the ground floor thanks to the numerous floor-to-ceiling windows. Past the kitchen towards the back of the home is a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and private en-suite. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a den and a spacious balcony atop the garage, overlooking the quiet, residential street.
Austin's Barcode House is among a flurry of white metal-clad houses cropping up across the United States. Other examples include a home in Portland by Ben Waecther, a residence in San Francisco by Edmonds + Lee and a New Jersey dwelling by Levenbetts.