Regional Modern: Contemporary Austin Homes Reflect Eclectic Style

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Editor's Note: The Regional Modern series focuses on the regional differences in modern and contemporary architecture, countering the impression that "modern" means universal and placeless. In photo tours from Manhattan to Malibu, see how today's innovative homes are influenced by climate, environment, and culture, becoming both private oases and part of a larger landscape we all share.

This is the first in a series that will focus on the regional differences in modern and contemporary design -- and counter the impression that modern design is universal and placeless.

The first city we'll visit is the capital of Texas, Austin, which straddles the Colorado River in the central portion of the state. It's known for its strong music scene, a creative culture, and a distinctive landscape, alternatively lush and dry. A strong relationship to the outdoors is evident in these houses -- a response to the relatively warm year-round temperatures. The architecture deals with the hot and humid summers by means of shading and ventilating the buildings and spaces. These shared qualities are apparent, but otherwise the results are eclectic, just like the Austin residents themselves.


More Regional Modern entriesAustin | Boston | New York City | Metro New York | Chicago

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John Hill is a New York City-based architecture writer for Houzz.com.

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