Ramp House

Architect MJ Neal Challenges Conventions with a Ramped Up Home in Austin

One of a handful of spec houses designed by Austin based architect M.J. Neal, this unique home is "a study in time and movement,” Neal told AIA.

An innovative and sculptural installation, Neal has altered the standard organization of space with an extraordinary design that's a playful departure from convention and conceptions of space. 

Constructed of steel framework, ipe wood, and polished concrete, the home's inverted floorplan is connected by a massive, gently sloping interior ramp; an artistic and  architectural flourish that profoundly impacts the way the space is experienced and interacted with.

With its grid of bookshelves and storage spaces incorporated into it, the ramp “functions all at once as a means of vertical circulation, a spatial delineator, a massive bookshelf, and a modern objet d’arte,” according to an article published by the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

“I wanted to play with the fourth dimension, time, (and) to deliberately slow down the pace of travel through the house. I wanted people to experience the sequence of space differently than just racing upstairs.”

The spaces are a play on light, function and immaculate design, with saturated bolts of color and eclectic interiors that add a lighhearted touch, in a stylish and unconvential home that fits right in with Austin's vibrant creativity.  

Located in the laid-back and quirky Bouldin neighborhood, this holiday home in Austin designed by local architect M.J. Neal is an innovative take on how homes are configured.

Set in a neighborhood of early 20th-century bungalows, the home takes a dramatic turn that nevertheless settles nicely within the neighborhood.

Designed in spare, geometric box forms of steel, glass and washes of color, the home opens into a three story space that begins with a giant ramp that divides the interiors with an inverted floor plan.

There is a ground floor en-suite master bedroom with private access to the gardens, and  a second bedroom and a reading area, as well as a mid-ramp mezzanine, all partitioned with pivoting, and sliding glass doors and wall panels. 

The chef's kitchen and living room are on the second floor, with a spiral stairway that leads to a spacious rooftop deck with views over the city.

The ramp extends the spaces vertically, while the first floor extends the spaces horizontally out to the leafy bamboo courtyards and private gardens.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, 75" Smart TV, smart phone sound system throughout the property, kitchen and organic bath essentials, laundry facilities, private parking.

AROUND

As the state capital of Texas with a "Keep Austin Weird" mantra, Austin's much deserved reputation as an eclectic and creative cultural mecca is embraced by both old timers, whose scene may have changed a bit over time, and those who flock here as an exciting and diverse arts and events destination.

Bordering the Hill Country region south of Dallas and north of both San Antonio and Houston, the city has an open door policy that mixes all expressions and genres. 

From SXSW in March, to Austin City Limits Music Festival in October and the Formula 1 and Le Mans racing circuit south of the city, it's all uniquely Austin. Not to mention the kick-ass foodie culture where you'll find a unique fusion of flavors of the region.

Surrounded by parks and lakes like Barton Creek, Greenbelt, Bull Creek Park and McKinney Falls State Park, you can spread out and enjoy hiking, swimming and water sports as far as the eye can see, as well as the pulse of this vibrant city's melting pot of culture.    

LOCATION

Austin, Texas. Nearest Airport: Austin Bergstrom Airport (15 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: High season runs from September through Thanksgiving with the start of cooler weather in Spring and the beginnings of wildflower season. Summers are hot and humid.