This Man Will Not be Throwing Stones

After researching the post about the new Kimber Modern hotel in Austin, I got curious about architect Burton Baldridge’s other work. Turns out he caused a stir in a one of Austin’s historic bungalow neighborhoods when he built this amazing glass house (below) for himself.

He cleverly hid the glass with the wooden screen. And look at that amazing fireplace and patio. Read an article about Baldridge’s plight in Metropolis magazine. Read  my post about his work on Austin’s Kimber Modern hotel.

Mid-Week Escape: Far Out Stay in Austin

The South by Southwest festival is upon us, do you know where you’re staying? The first (and only) time I was in Austin we stayed at the super-funky (in a good way) Austin Motel, with its irresistible slogan: “So close yet so far out.” I remember we shared some pooltime with a band named Estradasphere who played a gig nearby. Although that felt like the quintessential Austin experience, this time, I’d like to bump it up a notch and stay at the five-month-old KimberModern.

Built by two women who love to travel and had hospitality in their blood. Partners Kimber Cavendish and Vicki Faust spent $1 million to build the modernist five-room hotel in the South Congress neighborhood. With rates at $250 to $320 a night it\’s a tad steep, but take a look at some of the cool features.

 Architect Burton Baldridge had to contend with a steeply sloped 1-acre lot. Because it was facing the back of a strip of stores, he decided to create an inner courtyard. I love the way they built the deck around the old Texas oak tree.

They feature three Austin artists’ work in the hotel. This bunny painting by Martha Gannon is fun and intriguing and totally makes the room.  

The exterior is clad with energy efficient concrete board that resist’s the sun’s heat, the windows and doors are made with low-e glass. Modernist details appearing throughout the property include bath fixtures by Philippe Stark, Arne Jacobsen egg chairs in the common area and Eames desk chairs. The design is top notch, lets just hope there’s a band staying.

For more, check out the recent New York Times Real Estate section piece, or the post at Apartment Therapy.