How They Pulled It Off: A Self-Built Texas Farmhouse Designed Around the Views
Jenna and Oliver transformed raw land near Austin into a modern farmhouse, living in a 34‑foot trailer while the property was undeveloped. Their five‑year journey combined personal vision with professional expertise to create a home that blends farm life with contemporary design. Oliver, co‑owner of Two Tailboards Custom Cabinetry, served as general contractor, handling framing, window installation, and custom millwork. Collaborating with Plural architects Josh and Scott, they chose Atlantic white cedar for the south and short walls and corrugated metal for the north side, while the roof follows the site’s topography for optimal sun exposure and shading. The residence showcases Marvin Elevate fiberglass‑clad wood windows and a Marvin Ultimate door, assembled with mull kits to form expansive picture‑frame panes. Jenna notes, “Every window is a picture frame,” and the white‑oak cabinetry is grain‑matched throughout, reinforcing the cohesive aesthetic. By integrating a working farm with a sleek indoor‑outdoor experience, the project highlights a rising trend of owner‑built, view‑driven homes that prioritize material simplicity and sustainable construction, offering a replicable model for rural luxury developments.
Budget Breakdown: It’s Hard to Tell This South Phoenix Home Was Once a Convenience Store
Interior designer Amy Williams and trainer Elias Proce transformed a South Phoenix bodega—once equipped with a bullet‑proof cash wrap and walk‑in cooler—into a bespoke residence, honoring the building’s immigrant‑era roots. The renovation required stripping the commercial concrete shell, then rebuilding core...
Zaha Hadid Architects Could Soon Be Renamed—And Everything Else You Need to Know About This Week
A London appeals court ruled that Zaha Hadid Architects can terminate its licensing agreement with the Zaha Hadid Foundation, ending a six‑percent royalty on the brand name. In Manhattan, real‑estate brokers Tal, Oren and Alon Alexander were found guilty of...
We Need to Bring Back "Dump Decor"
The article examines how the historic practice of “dump decor”—salvaging furniture and appliances from open dumps—has vanished as municipalities replace dumps with engineered landfills. While landfills improve environmental safety, they also close a communal space where residents freely exchanged usable...
How Far Into the Wild Can Hay’s Outdoors Gear Actually Take You?
Swedish design brand HAY has launched a 30‑piece outdoor collection created by British designer Jasper Morrison, available through the MoMA Design Store until May 26. The line translates the brand’s sleek indoor aesthetic to rugged camping gear, featuring packable chairs, a...