City View House, Kasserine Pass Residence / Mark Odom Studio

Architects: Mark Odom Studio
Year: 2024
Photography: Casey Dunn
Principal Architect: Erin Nies
Interior Design: Ruby Cloutier Design and Mark Odom Studio
Structural Engineer: PCW Construction
Builder & Developer: FIA Homes
Landscape: Pearson Design Studios, LLC
Staging and Styling: Ruby Cloutier
City: Austin, Texas
Country: USA

City View House, a residential project by Mark Odom Studio in Austin, Texas, transforms a steep Barton Hills lot into a tiered composition that balances modest street presence with expansive views. Known as Kasserine Pass Residence, the home responds to its topography through restrained front massing and a rear that unfolds across the slope. Built by FIA Homes, the house integrates natural materials, curated lighting, and landscape elements for water management. Interiors follow a concept of experiential discovery, blending seamlessly with the surrounding skyline and terrain.

City view house, kasserine pass residence / mark odom studio

City View House, also known as the Kasserine Pass Residence, is a residential project designed by Mark Odom Studio in the Barton Hills neighborhood of Austin, Texas. The home is situated on a steeply sloped site just 4.5 miles from the Texas State Capitol and responds directly to its terrain and context. Its design presents a quiet, proportioned facade to the street, while the structure opens up at the rear to frame wide views of downtown Austin and the natural greenbelt.

The dual massing approach reflects a thoughtful relationship with the site. Toward the front, the house maintains a modest scale that respects the established neighborhood character. Toward the back, it steps down with the slope, expanding in volume and presence to fully engage the hillside and reveal the surrounding landscape. Each room offers a distinct perspective, framing the skyline or terrain in ways that invite continued interaction with the setting.

Construction, led by FIA Homes and structural engineering by PCW Construction, took three and a half years to complete. The first year was dedicated to excavation and drainage planning, ensuring the foundation was properly integrated into the challenging slope. Landscape architecture by Pearson Design Studios includes rain gardens and dry creek beds, referencing the greenbelt while managing stormwater runoff for both the site and neighboring properties.

The spatial design emphasizes a gradual sense of discovery. Visitors are introduced to the architectural experience at the front door, where exterior materials extend into the interior and frame the first view of the city. This moment initiates a procession through spaces that continue to unfold at the site.

The material palette follows a warm, monotone concept. Natural blond woods, warm-toned stones, and subtle tile finishes are complemented by sharp black metal framing at windows, portals, and stair elements. The balance between warm materials and precise detailing gives the home its understated clarity and cohesion. Architectural features reinforce this continuity. Framed gallery walls, a floating steel staircase, interior wood screens, and a series of exterior decks create moments of pause and movement. Lighting is carefully integrated, not to dramatize, but to highlight the textures and quality of the materials throughout.

The main living and kitchen area offers the broadest view of the city. Principal architect Erin Nies described the intention as creating “a feeling of floating in air with only the ceiling hovering above you.” A continuous linear perspective guides the eye through the space, anchored by a full wall of custom millwork. Marble countertops flow into a full-height marble backsplash, with clerestory lighting above to enhance the effect of a floating ceiling. The millwork transitions seamlessly into a plaster fireplace, grounded by complementary marble details.

Interior design, developed in collaboration with Ruby Cloutier Design, reinforces the architecture’s calm, grounded atmosphere. Organic materials, neutral colors, and simple textures reflect the home’s relationship to the natural surroundings. Each piece of furniture and lighting element was selected to support a cohesive spatial experience.

For Brent Fannin, developer and builder at FIA Homes, the project was the realization of a long-held vision. As he stated, “When I first purchased the lot, I was captivated by its breathtaking views. My vision was to create a residence that appeared modest from the street, yet unfolded its architectural brilliance as you moved through it. Each space was meticulously crafted to mirror the serene and lush surroundings, resulting in the ultimate sanctuary. This level of thoughtfulness and detail is rare in a spec home, making it perfect for discerning buyers who seek unparalleled quality and superior craftsmanship.”