Roost / Furman + Keil Architects

Architects: Furman & Keil Architects
Area: 928 ft²
Year: 2024
Photography: Leonid Furmansky
Design Team: Troy Miller, Philip Keil, Gary Furman, Dawson Williams, Maanasa Nathan
Contractor: Crowell Builders
Landscape: Word + Carr Design Group
Permit Consultant: Rick Rasberry (Lake Austin Boat Dock & Shoreline Permits)
Structural Engineer: Duffy Engineering
Lighting Design: Studio Lumina
Brands / Products: Ceiling Fans(Modern Fan Co.), Cladding and Decking(Ipe), Flooring and Roofing(Douglas fir), Door Hardware(Baldwin), Lighting Control(Lutron), Paints and Stains(Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat, Sherwin-Williams), Pavers(Lueders limestone), Refrigerator(Summit)
City: Austin, Texas
Country: United States

Roost residential structure, designed by Furman & Keil Architects in Austin, has minimized environmental impact by elevating unconditioned living space above a wetland, utilizing existing steel piers, and restoring the site’s natural hydrology. Built on a flood-prone and ecologically sensitive site accessible only by boat or footpath, the 928-square-foot project prioritizes resilience and light construction. The platform supports birdwatching and shoreline access while reducing disruption to native vegetation and allowing the ecosystem to regenerate naturally.

Roost, a 928 square foot residential project by Furman & Keil Architects, occupies a secluded site at the base of a bluff in Austin, directly across from a protected nature preserve. Tucked within a dense canopy of trees and wetland vegetation, the site is accessible only by a narrow staircase that winds through a natural stone grotto or by small watercraft. The remote location and ecological sensitivity of the land guided the architects toward a minimal intervention that maintains the health of the surrounding environment while extending the owners’ living space.

The structure was designed as an unconditioned, elevated platform that floats above the slough. It expands the livable area of the main residence without introducing additional enclosed square footage. A screened porch serves as a shaded space for observation and leisure, while the lower level provides a small launch area and access to the shoreline. Elevated views into the trees and across the water enhance the building’s passive engagement with the natural setting.

Previous construction on the site had been damaged by periodic flooding, a common occurrence in this riparian zone. In response, the new structure was lifted above flood level and sited on the reused steel piers of the original foundation. These existing supports minimized the need for new ground disturbance. The framework was extended to carry a lightweight timber superstructure, further reducing the project’s impact at grade.

Because of the site’s limited accessibility, all building materials were delivered by a small barge. This constraint influenced both material selection and construction methodology. Durable woods like ipe and Douglas fir, along with Lueders limestone, were chosen for their weather resistance and longevity. Finishes and colors were kept muted to blend into the landscape and avoid visual intrusion.

A bridge connects the new structure to the bluff above, eliminating the need for a path through the wetland and allowing the ground-level area to be reclaimed by native plants. This low-impact strategy supports the recovery of natural hydrological flows and enhances biodiversity on the site. The minimal lower-level footprint helps restore the wetland ecosystem and keeps the built presence light and temporary in feel.

The architects were tasked with creating a structure that could withstand flood conditions while preserving the site’s character. They developed a solution that emphasizes ecological sensitivity and construction restraint. The project now functions not only as a human retreat but also as part of the local habitat. Owls have even begun roosting along the roofline, using the platform as a vantage point for evening hunts.

Roost exemplifies how architectural decisions grounded in environmental conditions and site specificity can yield durable, low-impact structures. Through careful reuse of existing elements, resilient material choices, and a compact elevated design, Furman & Keil Architects have delivered a project that supports both human use and ecological continuity.