Slim House is a project designed by Matt Fajkus Architecture. Situated within a one-acre lot in Austin?s Tarry Trail neighborhood, the back yard of this existing 1933-vintage historical house was underutilized. The owners felt that the main drawbacks of the existing back yard were a general disconnection between each outdoor area and a general lack of relationship to the house proper. Therefore, the primary goal of the redesign was a scheme that would promote the use of the outdoor zones, with the pool as a centerpiece. Photography by Charles Davis Smith

.
The first major design move was to frame the pool with a new structure as a backdrop. This cabana is perpendicular to the main house and creates a clear ?bookend? to the upper level deck while housing indoor and outdoor activities. Under the cabana?s overhang, an integrated seating space offers a balance of sunlight and shade while an outdoor grill and bar area facilitate the family?s outdoor lifestyle. The only enclosed program exists as a naturally lit perch within the canopy of the trees, providing a serene environment to exercise within the comfort of a climate-controlled space. A corollary focus was to create sectional variation within the volume of the pool to encourage dynamic use at both ends while relating to the interior program of the home. A shallow beach zone for children to play is located near the family room and the access to the play space in the yard below. At the opposite en...