A mid-century residence reimagined by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. The site and structure creates a range of landscape spaces including a quaint patio, a play yard, a habitat garden and terraced lawn that overlooks a wet weather creek.

The clients requested a ‘texturally rich garden’ in response to the site and hardscape that complemented the language of the architecture.

The landscape design is anchored by restrained material use and large swaths of grasses, groundcovers, and shrubs that thrive in the extreme Austin climate. 

This 1930’s residence in Central Austin was updated to include a classic landscape that highlighted the architecture and allows for usable exterior spaces. A new subsurface drainage system and site wall allow for an extended patio space that includes outdoor dining, a gas fireplace and seat wall. Beyond this is an outdoor kitchen and smaller sitting area.

A new drive court and plantings in the front yard welcome guests.

All areas of the property are accentuated with uplighting for the trees and ambiance lighting for the areas of use.

Situated on a corner lot in Tarrytown, this property of old growth feels intimate and private from the bustle of passerby’s. Maximizing garden spaces for entertaining and swimming in the front garden and quieter contemplative areas in the back garden.

One primary goal was to create a sense of privacy for the front garden without feeling to isolated and closed off from the street. A fence design that created a sense of peek-a-boo as travelers passed by allowed for a quick glimpse into the garden.

Plantings are minimal and low maintenance to keep with the modern architectural lines created by Dick Clark + Associates.

This 3,500 acre working cattle ranch located outside Lampasas, Texas is entwined with the native landscape and modern architecture.

A one mile road leads guests through the landscape and a small dense grove of trees revealing the home in a surprise gesture. The outdoor spaces engage the views on all sides, creating gathering spaces and majestic settings.

The auto court contains a planted threshold to screen the vehicles and direct site lines. The shade structure acts as a view portal. Native plants and materials keep the project sustainable and low maintenance.

With lake views and heritage trees this project completed in collaboration with Matt Garcia Design provided ample opportunities and constraints. 

The front yard is softened by drought tolerant sedges and edge plantings that require minimal water and maintenance.  The back yard includes a postage size lawn and hardy Texas natives to enjoy the private views. 

A perimeter wall and fence allow the owners to enjoy both garden views and exclusive privacy. Ephemeral tree lighting ties the entire site together.

Located on a large lot in West Lake Hills, this residence underwent a major renovation to update the home and garden. Old growth trees set up planted areas and walkways and created shaded terraces to anchor the home.

The gardens serve as gathering spaces for children, grandchildren and guest. Both private and public spaces create views from the interiors of the home, linking the indoor/outdoor experience.

Creating an elegant verdant garden for the clients to enjoy was a main goal. Reclaimed brick, ornate ironwork and formal plantings elevate the landscape to feel both charming and modern.

This modern home designed by Dick Clark + Associates is nestled into a private lot surrounded by mature oak and cedar trees. The site is rich with natural elements including deer, birds and pollinators. The clients were interested in creating an organized setting to accent the home and the natural site.

Through a series of screening walls, vines and accent plants were introduced to integrate the home into the site and screen views. A water feature both greets guests and adheres to the animals. Small courtyards were introduced for areas of play and privacy.

A new modern addition by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was added to this charming bungalow in central Austin.  The landscape became the linking agent by bringing modern material elements to the existing front yard and lush plantings to the back. 

A new deck space bridges the old and new section of the home and a stone patio allows for entertaining in the back yard.  A custom fence provides additional visual interest during the day and at night.

This mid-century architectural gem was reimagined by Matt Garcia Design. Our main objective was to create usable spaces for the couples active children. The 12’ cross site elevation change created some challenges the were solved with a series of zones.

A minimally sloped front yard served the neighborhood soccer games. A regraded side yard created both a dining terrace, small seating area and room for badminton. A secluded planted staircase to the back holds the trampoline.

Rich plantings that are both sustainable and structural tie the garden and the home together seamlessly.

The existing back yard of this Travis Heights dwelling is approximately 1,000 SF and home to a lovely heritage oak. 

Due to the extremely sloped lot and tree protection the clients were unable to create a large outdoor seating area.  Their front yard also sloped significantly and required lots of water and maintenance.  The solution was to create a seating area in the front yard through a series of terraces. 

The thirsty lawn was replaced with a drought tolerant ground cover and synthetic lawn.  Lighting, drip irrigation and a fence tie the project together.

This modern garden is situated on a very small lot in the Zilker area of Austin. Every inch of the exterior was utilized for the active family of four.

The new landscape included a patio, fire pit, deck and small lawn area for the kids and pets. The front garden included an herb garden.

The landscape was a deliberate dialogue with the house, upholding the clean lines and minimal language.

Austin, Texas, was settled and built around rivers and creeks. Today, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The resulting tension between the built and natural environment is epitomized by Waller Creek, which fl ows through downtown Austin and eventually drains into Lady Bird Lake. Through the construction of the new storm water bypass tunnel, potential floodwaters will be diverted underground which will allow for the enhancement of both human and ecological communities. The tunnel will allow for the formation of a riparian park that will allow for passive and active recreation as well as create a series of rain gardens and biofiltration devices that treat pollutants.

Our vision for the Waller Creek Creekshow 2016 (Phantom Diversion) is an analysis and interpretation of the intersection between the natural and built environment. It intends to expose and celebrate the idea of diversion. Currently there are a series of exposed above grade diversion pipes that will later be tied to the intake station at 4th Street and disappear. These

diversion pipes are approximately 18” in diameter and are held in place by a series of caliche packed mounds that anchor and direct the pipe and fl ow. Our design intends to bring to attention these diversion pipes and reveal their mundane beauty through a linear series of glowing circular sections and bring to mind these drain pipes that will later disappear below the creek. These sections will undulate with the water level and serve as a linking agent between the additional Creekshow exhibits and the overhead streets of Red River between 7th and 8th Street. Our hope is to divert the passing by walker, jogger, biker or driver to take a moment to come down to the creek to experience its natural beauty.