Kassarine Pass
FIA Homes
Architecture, Interiors Collaboration
City View House
Austin, TX
Located in the Barton Hills neighborhood of Austin, the Kassarine Pass Residence is a thoughtfully designed custom home, carefully positioned on a steeply sloped site. The design responds directly to its surroundings, maintaining a subtle, understated presence along the street while opening up to expansive downtown Austin views, earning the project its name, City View House.
From the street, the home’s massing is intentionally controlled in scale and height, allowing it to sit comfortably within the existing neighborhood fabric. This restrained approach reflects the values of prioritizing context, longevity, and respect for the surrounding streetscape. In contrast, the rear of the residence takes full advantage of the site’s natural topography. As the land slopes away, the architecture unfolds to reveal a more expansive form, creating layered living spaces that invite occupants to experience the site, landscape, and city views from multiple vantage points.
The interior is laid out and designed to continue the idea of experiential discovery shown upon the approach to the house. Upon entering the front door, the exterior materials come in framing the first picturesque vista.
The approach to this project was with the intention of blurring the boundary between interior and exterior, a design philosophy that reflects the studio’s work. The result is a seamless transition where the outdoors is gently drawn into the interior through a warm, cohesive, and understated material palette. Natural materials take center stage, creating an immediate sense of warmth throughout the open-concept living spaces. Rooted in context-driven design, the carefully selected finishes were to feel organic, timeless, and connected to place. The overall palette is anchored in soft, warm hues of blond wood paired with natural stone and tile, establishing a calm and inviting atmosphere. These lighter materials are intentionally contrasted with crisp black metal detailing found in the window systems, interior door portals, and custom metal accents. This interplay of warmth and precision highlights the studio’s commitment to refined detailing and modern architectural balance.
