The Avenue C project sits in Hyde Park, one of Austin’s oldest and best-preserved neighborhoods. The original carriage house—though still standing—was on the verge of collapse. With a dirt foundation and extensive structural failures, there was no viable path to restoration. We carefully deconstructed the building, salvaging the materials, and cleared the site to make room for something new.

We were introduced to the project by the talented team at Saint Elmo Architecture Studio. Together with the homeowners, we set out to create a structure that honors the neighborhood’s historic character while incorporating today’s building science, materials, and methods. We are proud of the result.

The new two-story structure serves two distinct purposes. On the ground level, the garage doubles as a conditioned woodshop and includes a half bath—perfect for use during backyard gatherings. Upstairs, a generous guest suite features a full bath and a sleeping loft. Both levels are tightly sealed, well insulated and efficiently conditioned with a zoned mini-split system.

Overall, Avenue C is a great example of how thoughtful planning and sound construction can deliver a space that’s beautiful, efficient, affordable and functional.