Soaring Wings
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Architect Winn Wittman of Winn Wittman Architecture, Austin, spared no expense in redefining contemporary style in his masterpiece. Curves, dramatic angles and shades of luminance define the home, which sits on two residential lots on one of the most storied streets in the area. During the four years of construction, dozens of craftsmen, including metalsmiths, woodworkers, stonemasons, plasterers and glass workers, came together to make this dream a reality. The house boasts 5,965 square feet (554 m2) of living space.
CopperCraft, Keller, Texas, manufactured 840 hand-seamed copper panels for the entire house and 34,000 pounds (15422 kg) of solid red-iron frame. All connections are full-penetration welds; more than 6,000 hand welds were made in the field. Wall panels have 7 1/2 inches (191 mm) of polystyrene insulation, including two layers of plywood sheathing, an ice and water shield, and 2 inches (51 mm) of dimensioned shell stone or copper. Additional home features include a wine room; elevator access to all three levels; and 146 windows, including a 40-by-10-foot (12- by-3-m) clear-span curved faceted window. Pedernales Roofing, Austin, served as the roofing contractor.