Modern Home + Living

A Texas couple breathe new life into a home built by an eccentric Northwestern architect and in doing so, become at one with nature

As the old cliché goes, a picture is worth a thousand words; however, images can’t fully capture the upbeat emotions or serenity felt at this desert modernism, Googie influenced, 1967-built Austin, Texas home that often doubles nicely as a party pad. The eccentric Northwestern builder/architect created the Mid-Century estate to the likeness of an airplane—evident when viewing the soaring, white tar and gravel roof. 

Current residents Kevin Pruitt, a film producer and director, and real estate agent Eileen Pruitt “didn’t want to comprise the home’s integrity, respecting the original concept,” say the Pruitts, when discussing the contemporary remodeling process that lasted over two years.  

The work-at-home couple was intent on transforming the former dark, cave-like interior, into a space that would tastefully complement the dwelling’s inspirational exterior. 

The grounds have spectacular views of the canyon over Bull Creek; this coupled with the lava rock and fossilized limestone masonry throughout the home, melds perfectly with nature. The homes main focal point, a stunning suspended lava rock fireplace, seats 8-12 people for dinner.

 “To remove the lava rock would have meant removing an architectural achievement unlike any we had seen,” says Pruitt. “It’s the main reason we bought the home.” 

The unique residence has 4 bedrooms (that open up to the kidney shaped swimming pool), 3 full bathrooms, 3 living areas, 3 pantries, a yoga room and a green house.

Eleven original sliding glass doors, clerestory windows and other glass provide a panoramic view of 400-year-old trees and vegetation that surround the National Wildlife Federation® Certified Wildlife Habitat registered home. “In the spring when everything starts to bloom...it’s like watching real life in Technicolor!” says Eileen Pruitt.

The neutral color palette creates a stark contrast against the custom espresso-tinted brick and scrapped and stained herringbone brick and epoxy pebble floors. Furniture and accessories from places like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and D&D Italia adhere to the couple’s objective of “keeping the house like a museum,” says the Pruitts. “We kept the structure as simple as possible and just move “pieces” in and around the rooms.”