Craftsman Style in Austin

Custom High End Homes by Steve Wauson

raftsman Homes of Austin builds homes adhering to the tradition of the Arts and Craft Movement as well as to green building strategies. Steve Wauson, builder and owner of the company says, “we always use top local artisans and craftspeople to complete one project at a time, this way we make each project unique and smart.”

Craftsman Homes of Austin follows in the footsteps of notable architects and designers such as David Owen Dryden and Frank Lloyd Wright who pioneered the Craftsman Style. The Prairie Home, the Ranch Style and later the bungalow had become the response to the older and less practical Victorian style.

A Case in Point: Buckeye Trail

"The Buckeye home is the latest project by Craftsman Homes of Austin. Its smart, one-of-a-kind, design counters run-off, promotes irrigation, and provides wildlife habitat. Such strategy spreads out and maximizes existing rainfall to boost a lush green carbon consuming landscape instead of a brown “zero-scape” while returning more water to the aquifer. All interiors showcase “Arts and Craft” exquisite finishing skills.

All may be summed up by Steve Wauson caring approach to home building. Rather than trying to build as many houses as possible, he is concentrating on one at a time. "That's my style -—I want to complete a few special projects that I can keep my hands on and concentrate on the details. I plan on doing ten projects in the next ten years." [West Austin News, "Westside Stories"]

Go to the "Must Read" Stories for an expanded sample of publications which had featured Craftsman Homes of Austin outstanding work.

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Before remodel, Buckeye Trail was 30 years old. Neglect and poor maintenance had sent the structure into severe disrepair. The residence had been converted to a duplex and had been rental property for several years.

After purchasing it, the new owner considered tearing the structure down to start anew. Steve Wauson —the General Contractor, and Mark Canada —the Architect finally settled for a complete renovation and addition instead of demolition.

The abode rests at the end of a cul-de-sac by way of a right of way. The renovation was to improve the driveway access and parking, to the project as well as its immediate neighbor, through the construction of a retaining wall and additional hard surfacing.

The preexisting residence did not take advantage of the lot views —hills and valleys towards the west and the north. “A conscious effort was made to improve view glass without substantially rebuilding the structure.” Says Mark Canada, the architect.

When the original structure was put in place, restrictions in West Lake Hills were less stringent than today’s. The project exceeded present day impervious coverage restrictions. But, by renovating and only partially rebuilding, it was possible preserving the preexisting impervious coverage —as long as it did not exceed the existing one. A new septic field was designed and installed to meet existing standards. Height limitations on sloping lots —always a factor in Westlake Hills, were adhered to.

Design and Sustainability

A completely new insulation and air infiltration package —high efficiency HVAC systems, were installed during renovation. The water feature is practical as well as innovative. It is fed by harvesting a preexisting spring, roof water, ground water runoff and condensation from the HVAC system. It provides both: a healthy habitat for the koi fish and the necessary water for the irrigation system. The resulting grotto helps to naturally cool the ground level loggia and serve as a calming background for outdoor activities.

Sustainability is at the very soul of Buckeye’s successful design. Water is harvested from:

After harvesting, water is ultimately collected in a grotto.

A redesign of the roof overhangs’ glazing and extension, covered verandahs and loggia, blocks most of the summer's solar rays through the fenestration while allowing winter passive heating.

The subterranean portions of the residence help conserving fossil fuel both in the heating and cooling mode.

The addition of a master bathroom loft facilitates natural ventilation through convection —warmer air escapes while encouraging lower, cooler air, to come into the structure.

The exterior cladding of the residence was completely replaced; and, all the stone veneer, cedar shingle siding, window and door systems, roofing and pipe decking, newly installed.

Perhaps the "greenest" and most sustainable feature is the salvaged structure, as it stood up against the demolition and the construction of the new residence.

Interior Finishes

The level of interior finish out is outstanding. Arts and Crafts trimwork and carpentry and exquisite tilework and wall finishes celebrate the outstanding skill level of the various artisans.

About the Builder

Steve Wauson has over 20 years' experience as a builder of high-end custom homes... [read more]