red bluff residence by bercy chen design studio
all images courtesy bercy chen design studio


red bluff residence by bercy chen design studio is a 1400 square located in austin, texas.

the red bluff site has been transformed from a brown field zone housing industrial waste
leftover from its days as an oil and gas property to a place of seasonally responsive beauty.

the residence heals the neglected land by the subtle integration of green features. these include
hydroponic heating and cooling and a green roof with water collection capabilities.

the house’s relationship to the landscape both in terms of approach as well as building
performance references the oldest housing typology in north america; the pit house.
the house will undergo a 7-foot excavation (like pit houses) gaining benefits from
the earth’s mass to maintain thermal comfort throughout the year.



side view of red bluff residence



the design uses the pit house construction











how thermal heating works in the house





native flowers in spring



native flowers in summer



native flowers in fall



native flowers in water