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Michael Hsu Reimagines 1800’s Austin Home for Contemporary Living

ByMyProperty Life

In the heart of Austin’s Travis Heights neighborhood, the afternoon sun streams through the vast north-facing glass addition of the Travis Heights Historic Home by architect Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Light casts geometric shadows across limestone floors embedded with ancient fossils – 145-million-year-old remnants of giant clams that once inhabited this land, now preserved alongside 19th-century horseshoes and indigenous arrowheads. This juxtaposition forms the conceptual foundation of this renovation project, highlighting how time and place can be interpreted.

Modern house with extensive glass facade, wood accents, and multiple levels, set amid a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.

James Gibson Swisher, Texas Ranger and signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, built the brick home in 1851 using materials fashioned from a kiln he constructed along the Colorado River. Today, it stands as the second oldest brick residence in Texas, its original foundation now serving as the first floor – a testament to the resourcefulness of frontier craftspeople working with local resources and traditional techniques.

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Modern glass and wood house surrounded by trees and a grassy field under a blue sky.

The current owner, driven by a deep appreciation for Austin’s architectural heritage, approached the renovation with reverence. They wanted to be sure the addition would not mimic or be confused with the rare original structure, and instead, it should be true to its time. This philosophy manifests in the contemporary glass structure that frames downtown views and creates an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape.

Exterior view of a modern building with large glass windows, revealing a lit-up interior with dining and living areas. Evening setting with reflections of trees in the glass.

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Modern living room with abstract wall art, a black coffee table, two beige armchairs with brown cushions, a sculptural chair, and a brass pendant light over a textured rug.

The landscape design extends onto a rare 1.25-acre urban plot. Native gardens, a prairie roof meadow atop the cabana, and thoughtfully integrated recreational spaces create a sustainable backdrop that spotlights Texas’ natural surroundings while providing contemporary amenities.

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, marble backsplash, built-in bench seating, round table, and bar stool. A black bowl with assorted vegetables is placed on the counter.

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Modern dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, and a spiral staircase. Large windows let in natural light, highlighting the stone wall and minimalist decor.

A modern, curved staircase with white walls and a wooden handrail leads up to the second floor. Large windows provide natural light, and a stone wall adds texture.

When craftsmen discovered charred wood remnants from a 1920s attic fire, rather than discarding these damaged elements, they repurposed them as ceiling material for the ground floor spa bathroom – transforming damage into design. As such, the interiors create a dialogue between different eras. The preserved historic sections embrace a lounge-like atmosphere with rich textures and ambient illumination, while the modern addition offers bright, airy spaces ideal for gathering. A grand spiral staircase connects these four distinct levels.

A modern, spiral staircase with a wooden handrail curves around a tall, abstract black sculpture in a minimalist, well-lit space with light streaming through a window above.

A modern interior with a curved staircase, large windows, and a view of a city skyline against a sunset. The walls are light-colored with a sconce, and there's a table with decorative items.

Bedroom with a bed, wooden nightstand, and rug. A tapestry with trees hangs above the bed. A table lamp, white carafe, and flowers are on the nightstand. Walls are light-colored.

Freestanding bathtub near a large window with a city skyline view. A small table with a candle and a hanging towel are nearby.

Visit Michael Hsu Office of Architecture’s website for more information.

Photography by Chase Daniel.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.

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