Roost is the latest project by Furman + Keil Architects, an ingenious 928-square-foot elevated retreat just minutes from downtown Austin. The floating platform sits 50 feet below the surrounding neighborhood, nestled along a secluded waterway that can be accessed only by canoe, kayak, or a dramatic descent down a staircase through a natural stone grotto.
Built on flood-prone, environmentally sensitive wetlands, the studio turned the site’s challenging location into its strength. The flood-damaged steel piers were turned into the foundation for an elevated over-the-water sanctuary, minimizing the impact of construction on the site. With its elevated position, owners can lounge and birdwatch from the comfortable outdoor space protected by a screened porch, while the lower level functions as a boat launch. The elevated design also allows native plantings to reclaim natural wetland areas. Even the winged mainstays around the area seem to be enjoying the novel architectural addition. ‘The new structure has even become a roost for owls in the evening as they hunt along the water’s edge,” says the studio…