Wilde Haire Ranche by Mell Lawrence Architects

Austin-based Mell lawrence Architects designed this residence to suit its environment both in terms of culture and climate. The home's silhouette is an obvious reflection of Texas' barn vernacular. But through details like the creative use of translucent panels over the deck and asymmetrical window layouts, the outcome is at once passive and eye-catching. See more at Mell Lawrence Architects. Via Remodelista.

A Visit to Marfa: El Cosmico

I've been to Texas four times and each time I have planned and failed to visit Marfa, the Donald Judd/conceptual-Prada-store/out-of-context-awesome-hotel capital of West Texas. But it so happens that my girlfriend and I will be in Austin for a friend's wedding in May and we are committed (COMMITTED!) to getting to Marfa. While Thunderbird had been on the agenda previously, I recently stumbled upon another, possibly even more awesome place to stay; El Cosmico. Best known for her work on Austin's Hotel San Jose and Hotel Saint Cecilia, Liz Lambert of Bunkhouse Management conceived of El Cosmico as "part creative lab, greenhouse and amphitheater - a community space that fosters and agitates artistic and intellectual exchange." Guests can choose from a series of restored vintage camper trailers, yurts, a teepee, or, for those more budget-aware, simple tent sites. While the trailers sport their own kitchens and private outdoor showers, all guests have access to a shared kitchen, bathrooms, and rent-by-the-hour Dutch tubs. Best of all, they are all priced affordably, ranging from $150/night for a trailer in peak-season to $20/night for a tent site. Currently, I am debating whether to work an extra Saturday to be able to upgrade from teepee to trailer...Here's hoping.

See more at El Cosmico. via Remodelista.

House Desmet

Via OWI, a modern home with a lot of pizzazz by Belgian Photographer Vercruysse Frederik. Overall the spare styling adds a lot of cohesiveness, but the creative casework really seals the deal. The towering multi-purpose cabinet built into the slope of the ceiling is an amazing graphic element (a rare occasion when the sacrifice of functionality may just be worth it). See more great stuff at OWI.

Clinton Hill Brownstone by Elizabeth Roberts

Discovered on Remodelista, New York's Elizabeth Roberts Architecture took on the renovation of this 5-story, 1866 Brooklyn Brownstone. Noted as one of the few remaining original architectural details, the character of the black painted stair case caught my eye immediately. What doesn't look better with three coats of glossy black paint on it? And the an impressively modest kitchen, sparsely furnished rooms, and loads of light do well to keep to avoid New York's cramped-and-cluttered trap. More at Elizabeth Roberts.

Nerd Envy

Float Documentary Trailer from Phil Kibbe on Vimeo.

Via NOTCOT

WACO from OWI

I don't have any information on this one; Looks very UK though. I am really drawn to the pivoting wood-framed glass doors. They create such a great transition between spaces that I can forgive the subtle fish-tank/interrogation-room vibe. See more at OWI.