Webber + Studio has designed a resourceful yet stylish home in Austin on what was once considered an unbuildable lot. Courtesy Ryann Ford The site was unbuildable: That’s what Eric and Becky Shaheen were told when it came to their newly purchased lot in Austin’s coveted Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Three historic oaks, potentially well over 100 years old, and their root systems were blocking off much of the land, so much so that only two of the five architecture firms the couple spoke with were willing to tackle a new build on the site. The city arborist even weighed in. But architect David Webber, president of Webber + Studio, was happy to help the couple design their dream home and was excited by the unusual challenge. “In Bouldin Creek, it’s nearly impossible to find an empty lot unless you are willing to buy a house for the land,” he says. The Shaheens purchased the lot for $330,000 back in April 2013, which now seems like a bargain as home prices in Central Austin—and especially in the 78704 zip code—have become some of the most expensive in the city. After looking at the critical root zone and surrounding canopy, Webber […]
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