Overview

A Custom Narrow-Lot Home in Austin

This luxury custom home showcases what’s possible when high-level design meets the constraints of a narrow urban lot. Located in Austin’s sought-after Bouldin Creek neighborhood, the home sits on a 0.15-acre site and offers 3,438 square feet of elevated living across 3 levels. With 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and a highly adaptable layout, this award-winning residence is tailored for modern urban life.

Designed in collaboration with Dick Clark and Associates, this gorgeous Austin home reflects J. Angelo Design Build’s commitment to partnering with top architects and designers in Austin to build custom homes that balance bold architecture with everyday livability. On a 35-foot-wide lot constrained by city code and the McMansion ordinance, we used a vertical layout that opens to light, views, and outdoor living. The 3-level home features a cantilevered primary suite, a rooftop terrace with skyline views, and open-concept living spaces that connect to the landscaped backyard and heated pool.

Inside, a blend of clean lines and curated materials defines each space. The Thermador kitchen features a full-length window backsplash, concealed appliances, and a sweeping island that anchors the main floor. A flexible room on the first level with an adjacent full bath can serve as a guest suite, office, or wellness space. Downstairs, the unprogrammed basement is pre-plumbed for a wet bar and prewired for surround sound, ready to serve as a gym, studio, or media room. The entire home is wired for smart home technology, making everyday life easier.

This home demonstrates what is possible on an urban lot in Austin and how upgrading can give you the square footage you need.

Architect: Dick Clark + Associates
Interior Design: Dick Clark + Associates

2024 Winner: Custom Home Bathroom - $1M+

2024 Finalist: Detached Home (Urban) - $750k+

Rooftop Deck
Landscaped Backyard and Heated Pool
1-Car Garage | Gated Carport | 4 Parking Spaces
Smart Home Technology
Luxury Interior Finishes

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Custom bathroom featuring floating vanity and walk in shower

A Modern Austin Home

The design goal for this Austin custom home was clear: bring Texas-sized living to a compact urban site. Bouldin Creek’s narrow, deep lots can discourage bold design, but this team embraced the challenge. The lot was non‑conforming and required a variance to navigate McMansion regulations. Rather than work around constraints, the design pushed upward and outward. Vertical expansion created three levels of living space, including a light‑filled basement, main living floor, and a rooftop deck with panoramic city views.

Thoughtfully placed floor‑to‑ceiling glass and strategic patios visually expand the interior spaces. A cantilevered primary suite and a single‑stringer floating staircase beside a glass wall add architectural drama without sacrificing comfort. The flexible basement is pre‑plumbed for a wet bar and pre‑wired for surround sound, giving these homeowners options for use as a home theater, gym, studio, or retreat.

Landscape Design for Outdoor Living

Outdoor areas link seamlessly to indoor spaces. Mature landscaping frames a heated pool and patios that invite relaxation and entertaining. The result is a home that feels open and connected, yet distinct from the hustle just beyond its gates. Even in a narrow urban lot, we added a pool for hot Texas days and landscaping to define the space.

Space-Saving Designs and Smart Home Appliances

Every space in the home was designed for how people live today. On the main level, a flexible room with an adjacent full bath can function as a guest suite, office, or wellness space depending on the owner’s needs. The living room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen flow together effortlessly, anchored by oversized glass doors that open to the backyard and pool.

The kitchen is both beautiful and practical. Thermador appliances, a full‑height window backsplash, and a sweeping island create a space where culinary craft meets everyday living. Industrial‑modern floating shelves paired with Venetian plaster walls offer minimalist storage without interrupting visual flow. Concealed appliances keep the space clean and refined. Elevated ceilings and subtle material transitions help distinguish kitchen, dining, and living areas while maintaining an open feel. At every point, natural light expands the room visually and enhances the sense of openness.

Upstairs, the primary suite serves as a private refuge. Its spa‑inspired bath features dramatic fossil tile, an expansive backlit mirror, clerestory windows, and a mix of stone and metal finishes that communicate calm strength. The walk-in shower, soaking tub, and high‑end materials speak to a homeowner’s appreciation for thoughtful design and everyday luxury. A rooftop deck provides the perfect setting for morning coffee or evening gatherings, offering uninterrupted views of the Austin skyline.

Smart home technology is integrated throughout, making life more comfortable and convenient for our clients.

An Expert Austin Home Builder

The team at J. Angelo Design Build guided every step of this project with clarity, precision, and a deep respect for both design and livability. Understanding the nuances of Bouldin Creek and Austin’s unique zoning landscape allowed the team to transform challenges into opportunities. Innovation met intention at every turn, from negotiating site variances to detailing interior finishes that feel both elevated and personal.

The collaboration with Dick Clark and Associates enabled a design that balances bold architectural gestures with real‑world practicality. Every material, every transition, and every architectural moment was chosen to serve the homeowner, not just impress aesthetically.

This modern build is more than a contemporary home; it is a thoughtfully composed experience. It captures the essence of urban living while offering the comfort of a retreat. Minutes from downtown, Zilker Park, and South Congress, this residence proves that true urban luxury is not only about place or design, but how seamlessly both come together in the way you live.

Working with J. Angelo Design Build

At J. Angelo Design Build, we believe your home should reflect how you live, what you value, and where you feel most at ease. Our process is clear, collaborative, and grounded in experience. Whether you're building on a tight urban lot or a wide open property, we’ll guide you from early planning to final walkthrough with the confidence that comes from doing this well, time and again.

You can explore our custom home building cost guide to understand what goes into your budget, and browse our portfolio to see how design and performance come together in our completed work. With years of experience building across Austin, we collaborate with other experts and can help you assemble the right team.

If you’re looking for a builder who listens, leads, and brings your vision to life with care and precision, we’d love to connect.