February 6th, 2013 
This year’s annual Modern Home Tour Austin, founded by Krisstina Wise of Goodlife Team, included a mixture of interesting styles, unique ideas and an intriguing array of homes. The Modern Home Tour Austin 2012 was wonderful last year and featured homes and talented architects and this year’s tour was just as good!
(Photo Credit: Twist Tours)
A warm, sunny day set the stage for the tour as ticket holders had the opportunity to step inside each work of art. There were more than 15 homes for guests to explore and, if lucky enough, the architect that designed the home was there to answer any questions and explain the ideas behind the structures and special touches to the designs. My first stop was 902 S Center Street #2C.
(Photo Credit: Twist Tours)
This home sits in the South Center Enclave consisting of a single family home and a duplex. Cass Cheesar, principal architect of Cass Cheesar Architects, LLC, created this contemporary plan and made sure to leave the beautiful, historic oak trees in tact and took their shade and shapes into consideration while he was planning the spaces. Cass doesn’t like to use the word style because he feels it tends to “pigeon-hole” one into thinking merely only one style. He went on to add that modern doesn’t always necessarily mean one type of design; rather, architects have many schemes that they incorporate into their interesting ideas. It is really more about the actual space and how the space will be used than a specific style.
(Photo Credit: Standby)
I visited the other homes on the tour, each one offering stunning designs and creative use of natural light. My last stop was the home on 300 Academy Drive, on a quiet side street just off busy and popular South Congress. Complete with a sparkling pool and underground fitness room, this home was a charmer.
(Photo Credit: Standby)
I met Sean Miller, owner of Martel Windows and Doors LLC, who explained to me that many of their windows are used in modern homes to aid in sustainable living with thick insulation and high quality products. Martel Window and Doors offers high-quality American-made clad wood, vinyl and aluminum windows and doors. They also place a large focus on customer service.
(Photo Credit: Standby)
The tour ended with a bang at the iPic Theater at The Domain for the over-the-top after party complete with cocktails and hefty hors d’oeuvres. Additionally, there was an informative and interesting panel where ticket holders were able to ask questions and converse with the architects who work hard to provide our community with these sustainable works of art to be lived in and enjoyed.
