Name: Heather
Location: Duplex Nation — Austin, Texas
Through an almost three year process, we took a 1948 choppy cinder-block constructed upstairs/downstairs duplex and converted it into a modern, open single family home.
We of course could not have done this without the help and vision of our architects, Ryan Burke and Eric Barth of AParallel.
Prior to beginning this process we looked for another house for almost 2 years. We saw a lot of flips and given their price point we thought we could do better. And we're happy with that decision.
Our biggest fear was that given the block construction, there was no way to remodel and have the spaces appear proportional and natural. This fear ultimately was unfounded, and we've ended up with a nice open kitchen/living/dining area. We can now entertain where we couldn't in our cramped 800 sq. ft. duplex — what was the kitchen is now the master closet.
The architects created a house that stands out to us, and we love, but blends perfectly with the neighborhood. The "Duplex Nation" area of Austin is an area of approximately 60 almost identical duplexes. We didn't want to change the character of this unique neighborhood, and I believe we succeeded.
Thanks, Heather!
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
Coming to Terms with a Knockoff: Original vs. Reproduction Furniture Design
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
Would like to see more pictures. From what can be seen, I don't care for the outside; too boxy but the inside was done so nicely. Love the windows one above the other. Nice effect.
I love it all--
Very nice! I especially like the light shelf, the tall vertical window on the back, and the carport/pool combo. I too would like to see more pictures, including the before shots.
Very nice. I am curious about Duplex Nation. Is this actually a duplex, and if so, do they own both units? Did they merge them together, or is the other rented out? So many questions. The outside is not too boxy, it's lovely.
I particularly like the way the pool was done. It works as an ornamental feature rather than being this big THING you have to work around. Contrary to Lyonstill, I like the boxy and plain quality of the exterior. There is so much in Texas that is over ornamented, so many pseudo-Tusacan houses, etc. Plain is good.
This is just amazing. I love the red planter bed and the entire house is just really, really nice.
Anyone know where I can get that rug? I love that the most, actually.
I would also love to know where the rug is from!
I'm not loving the grounds/exterior, but I love the interior. It's modern, but it's so warm instead of the usual starkness.
I found this explanation of Duplex Nation online:
East of I-35 and north of E. 38th street resides a little-known community of duplexes, all in different brightly painted colors on two-story stuccoed structures in a variety of five different designs. Duplex Nation was built in 1948 as a post-war housing solution and was commissioned by then-Land Commissioner, Bascom Giles and was developed by the Connolly Delwood Development Company. The area in which it was built was technically called Delwood Section 3, but is now known as Cherrywood Neighborhood. Duplex Nation streets include Maplewood Ave., Ashwood, Wrightwood and Kirkwood Road. In 2011, Duplex Nation was officially proclaimed the Delwood Duplex Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places.
Love it, esp. that covered porch! I like the grounds, they look like they were designed to be heat/drought tolerant and I always appreciate when people do that. Can we please have a before/after house tour?
The area actually is pretty cool. The Duplexes are an upstairs and downstairs unit and have hardwood floors and solid post war construction. My understanding is that they were built for returning soldiers going to school on the GI Bill who had families. There's an elementary school right next to the area and it's got beautiful trees. Plus it's got gentrification of all the surrounding neighborhoods adjacent (it's near the large Mueller (ex-airport) project).
The landscaping is divine. And the balcony! Oh the balcony! It looks japanese inspired, minimal, and absolutely beautiful. The house itself is very elegant. Must see more pictures!
PARNASSUS, they say "converted it into a modern, open single family home"
Yep, love it! Love that giant painting in the living room. The contrast with that baby blue sofa is wondrous!
I thought I recognized this place. It was featured in the Austin-American Statesman a while back. http://www.statesman.com/life/style/duplex-nation-restorations-convert-multifamily-units-to-single-1910619.html It features the before as well.
Yes, this definitely looks like an old Cherrywood duplex. There really is a neighborhood full of them, some of them with very neat original interiors, but many that have fallen into disrepair, especially because for a long time (and maybe still) this was a hot rental area for the university crowd. I've gone to many a party over the years in up and downstairs apartments rented by various friends!
What is the source for the rug? It's gorgeous.
Somehow I can always tell from the first picture and before I've read the location when it's an Austin tour or house call - guess it's the quality of the light coming through the windows, maybe? Good job Heather (and A Parallel Arch.)!
Cool house! I'm crazy about the rug, too... Can you tell us where you got it? It seems to be a hit.
Love it! I gasped when I realized you had managed to fit an absolutely unobtrusive pool in the back.
Where is the rug from....it is amazing
Really Nice!
The rug can be found here: http://www.2modern.com/designer/Gandia-Blasco/Gandia-Blasco-Catania-Wool-Kilim-Rug
Its price range is $650.00 – $1,260.00.
The "giant yellow painting" is by Houston artist Billye Otten.
www.billyeotten.com
Ooohh....to live in Austin again!
Gorgeous! Want to see more!
The front of this really looks like it would fit into that neighborhood perfectly. Over 35 years ago, my sister lived in one of those duplexs with 3 other girls. She didn't like that much company and ended up sleeping in the closet under the stairs - Harry Potter style.
That neighborhood was fun then and it still is now.