5505 Duval Street B

The exterior shape and form of The Twin Treehouses were designed by Nicole Blair, who Elle Decor named one of the greatest living architects in the world, alongside several Pritzker Prize winners. Her projects have received design awards at the local (AIA Austin), state (Texas Society of Architects), and international (Dezeen) levels, and her work has been published by Architectural Record, Dwell, and Texas Architect. Here’s a brief description of the project adapted from the Feb 2019 issue of Texas Architect: “These ADUs sit side by side on adjacent residential lots behind modest existing residences. The three-level structures are angled to take advantage of sightlines around existing homes, focusing views toward the landscape and street life. Their forms hug City of Austin side and rear setback planes and include a central staircase, three exterior decks, and a covered carport. Each ADU maintains front yard and alley access for better overall site circulation. The side yard setback creates an extended front walk for ADU residents to retain a street presence and receive mail and visitors while preserving the flexibility to park and/or receive visitors in back. Identical in form, the ADUs are outfitted with varied materials to express their uniqueness.”