terraluz:

At the intersection of architecture and sculpture, this one-of-a-kind compound located in the heart of East Austin’s sought-after Holly neighborhood, is a masterclass in sculptural design, natural materials, and artisanal craftsmanship.

The main residence, Terraluz, offers 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, plus a detached guest suite/home office with it’s own bathroom above the garage—connected by a bridge clad in the new Rock Paper Build tiles from Clay Imports and a suspended hammock net, creating a whimsical and social space 10 feet in the air. Together, the home and suite span 2,014 square feet..

The homes are defined by sweeping, curvilinear rammed earth walls, a unique and expressive use of an ancient building technique. These walls not only help temper the heat of the harsh Western Sun, but also serve as textural and tactile elements that soften the facades with their organic curves. 

Crowning each structure are barrel-vaulted roofs clad in soft green metal, which curve downward to become walls—emphasizing the fluidity of the architecture and highlighting the homes’ sculptural forms.

Inside, the interiors are a warm and tactile blend of natural finishes: white oak cabinetry, terracotta, marble, and troweled limewash. The polished concrete floors have been honed to reveal a terrazzo-like finish, adding texture and durability underfoot. Throughout the property, custom steelwork and intricate detailing—such as hand-forged railings, thresholds and shelving — elevate the design to a truly artisanal level.

The overall aesthetic is a seamless fusion of desert modernism, Art Nouveau, and organic architecture, brought to life through local craftsmanship and visionary design.

DMA Team: Bailey Craighead, Blair McKay and Davey

Built by Rabb Construction

Photography by Jeremy Doddridge