American grandeur

The capital of the state of Texas, Austin is known in America as the live music capital of the world, its streets reverberating with the sounds of country and blues. It is home to skyscrapers and low brick buildings, large urban parks and sumptuous villas looking out over the Colorado river. One of these represents the perfect blend of American spirit and Italian style and excellence in the field of ceramic tiles.
With its typically American sense of scale, the home consists of a complex sequence of buildings and an alternation of double-height rooms and smaller spaces, as well as large outdoor areas inevitably centred around the blue rectangle of the swimming pool.
The white building adopts a linear, contemporary language that suggests the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright in terms of its massing, large roof overhangs, tall living room windows, extensive use of wainscoting and the detail of the wood strip panelling that marks the walls and ceiling in the living area and filters light to striking effect.
The finishing materials play a vital role in this project as they serve to bring character to spaces that are so large that even the furniture struggles to fill them and sometimes appears lost. With their variously nature-inspired material effects, the indoor and outdoor floor and wall coverings take centre stage in spaces where luxury and functionality merge. The veins of travertine marble grace the floors in the daytime area, from the large living space to the billiards room, the home office, the kitchen and even the shower walls in the bathrooms. The graphic effects of stone are reproduced with mimetic precision by the porcelain tiles (Tale collection, Silver colour, from Caesar), chosen in large sizes (60×60 cm and 120×240 cm) and a glossy surface that creates an interesting play of reflections.
The sheer scale of the property is epitomised by the almost shameless presence of two enormous living rooms right next to each other, each with their own sitting and dining areas capable of accommodating twelve people. It is almost as though the living functions are gradually projected towards the exterior environment, culminating in a third living/relaxation area located entirely outdoors. The flooring likewise reflects this sequence, progressing from powerful marble veins to the more uniform brightness of white Beola granite (Absolute series). The finish varies from polished to matt, combining elegance with a high level of weathering resistance. The L-shaped home extends into the garden, which has its own living space. A three-step plinth forms a large continuous terrace with relaxation, living and dining areas and a complete outdoor kitchen.
The rectangular swimming pool (again clad with white Beola granite, but chosen in the textures and special pieces from the Aquae collection specially designed for pool and wellness areas) represents the continuation of the house into the landscape, a leading line that accompanies the gaze across the lawn and to the river beyond.