Austin backyard tiny home gently expands beyond its surface

Limited by the city of Austin (Texas) to building on 45% of a lot, architect Nicole Blair leaned the walls out to gain space: the base covers the maximum 320 square feet, but the walls continue up and out to create a total of 565 square feet of living space.
Dubbed “the drunk house” by the home’s framers and “The Hive” by others, the backyard unit has just two vertical walls and four walls that slant upward to add space where needed. In the kitchen, the slope adds countertop square footage. In the living room, the slant turns a space big enough for just a couch and one-foot-wide coffee table into a light and airy room. Upstairs the crooked bedroom barely fits a queen bed but unfolds the views.
By acting as both architect and contractor, Blair was able to adapt the home as it was built and to keep costs down by using salvaged materials as they became available. The entire exterior, and roof, of the home, are clad in recycled cedar shingles. Using a reclaimed longleaf pine sheathing, Blair transformed IKEA kitchen and bathroom cabinets into a custom experience. By keeping an eye on every detail of the build (down to the exposed copper bathroom fixtures), she was able to build the home from foundation up for $160,000.
** Take a virtual tour of the Hive House aiaaustin.org/homes-tour/2020 -- 9 houses in Austin including Q+As w/ architects, owners, 360° walkthroughs
www.studio512.net/
Photo Credit (thumbnail): Casey Dunn
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/the-...

[@jeffstumpf9129]

I like Kirsten’s videos because she lets people explain their rationale for their design. She only occasionally asks questions when she feels they're necessary.

[@carolinawren3594]

Her skill as a film maker is evident in how easy she makes it look

[@eneltee1829]

Me totally agrees. She knoes the word RESPECT. 😍

[@Nerd3927]

She is a good listener too. That makes for good questions, and good answers.

[@X3000Chan]

Agreed. Not every second of any film needs to be filled with talking either. There is a lot of quiet space in her documentaries where you can here the sounds on the street, the nature, the quiet inside a home, etc. It makes her videos feel relaxing and like short art films, not just typical home-tour videos. In her work, the subject is the home., and it's owners or the architect are the storytellers. It's much more film-making than video-making, and that's probably why i love her work! :)

[@Voiceofreason772]

Agreed

[@patricklilly]

She is an amazing architect. I am in awe of her creativity.

[@designdoctor247]

We agree ...so many architects say things like "that can't be done!" She says "I will FIND away to do what the client wants!" She is brilliant 👏

[@sirenahful]

I appreciated her statement that working with constraints leads to innovation. Such a true statement, can be applied to architectural design, and life in general. The final project is stunning!

[@designdoctor247]

@@sirenahful perfectly stated 👌

[@amberc5196]

I watched this a number of times and saved of course to watch again (& again)❗ I truly hope one day she will work on a tiny house project for my family🤞🏻❗ I'm in total awe of her creativity, her imagination and her execution style❗ I really hope she also teaches so that our future generation can learn from this amazing mind❗❗❗

[@marialongoria8774]

Me too!

[@emblemcc]

I like how it has it's own face, and does not pretend to be some kind of minimalistic, Japanese or whatever style, it is what it is and its great.

[@ec8927]

Why hate against Japanese?

[@emblemcc]

@@ec8927 .. minimalist architects basically stole the Japanese natural "minimalism" and pretend to be something specific and unique. This trend prevails until now in wast majority of post minimalism and the worst the contemporary housing alike. The minimalism is just plain soulless formalism that copies form over form and misses the nature of such existence you can see in Japanese housing. This house is what it is and does not follow this trend, as the seemingly minimalistic shape is defined by the needs not the hunt for form. The architect tried instead to build something unique while breaking standards and left the common trend behind its back (I'm bit exaggerating but still)

[@ec8927]

@@emblemcc thanks coach

[@Jan-yn4tl]

@helloI'm not elevating japanese architecture, I just say this building does not pretend to be like it, which is common approach in architecture and minimalism in general. Check out bit of history of minimalist architecture and where they got the ideas from... for example where Frank Lloyd Wright got his initial ideas. Thats why I point to Japanese architecture.

[@charmedprince]

@@Jan-yn4tl i like that u using two accounts here lol

[@stevenqirkle]

She seems very proud of this project, and rightfully so!

[@Smalltime]

What a nice ingenious house. Seems like they really lucked out with the cabinet maker they used.

[@nicoleblair8670]

Stefan Ravn YES! Cabinet maker is Matt Prine from Wishtree Carpentry. He did an amazing job.

[@lizh1988]

At first I was going to skip this because from the thumbnail, it looked like here was going to be another person proving they're not a lemming because they built something merely to be different. But I couldn't help it. It's different because it's being useful and practical. I love the wall of windows, the wacky but beautiful lights, and too many other things to mention, but the desk is my fave. Thanks so much.

[@ChrisPage68]

What's wrong with being different? I hate that planning laws here in the UK lead to such boring, conservative housing.

[@lizh1988]

@@ChrisPage68 I said merely to be different. *Merely* Sometimes it just ends up being ugly. No point in being just the same either. Unless you have a good reason.🙂

[@tnijoo5109]

Haha. I kept skipping this one in my KZbin recommendations for the same reason. So glad I finally watched it.

[@butchvictor6509]

I like that she is so flexible snd so accommodating of what the owner needs/wants. Great job!

[@orlando1a1]

Unexpected, unconventional but very well-thought-out and uniquely individual.

[@surfside75]

Such an amazing design.. especially considering recycling building materials and city constraints, genius✔️😁

[@Elizabeth76Ndonga]

There are architects and architecture that are out of this world! She's very creative and yes, what came out! An awesome work of art. Great video right there!👏👏👏💞

[@m53goldsmith]

Especially like the way the bowed out kitchen walls give extra shelving space above the worktops, really looks like a much bigger kitchen than just the footprint would have allowed. What I am surprised by is that the planning commission actually approved something so innovative!

[@4BWVan]

Nicole is clearly an amazing architect and so few of them are willing to be on the job site now, she's a real gem. This house is REALLY cool.

[@janetleeharrison]

Brilliant all around! Love the hidden outdoor shower - didn't see that coming - wonderful surprise! Thanks KD & Co.!

[@FeelItRising]

Sometimes architecture tries to be too odd and too funky and ruins function. This seemed brilliantly done following form for function. Also, she seemed to really know her trade without sounding pretentious.

[@ChrisPage68]

Why would she sound pretentious? 😂

[@aleynamutlu4206]

@@cmmartti Ted mosbying

[@workhot]

Too funky and she is pretentious

[@tnijoo5109]

That’s really true. Probably being the general contractor also, instead of just the architect, keeps it real.

[@DiandraStarShine]

"pretentious?" because that's not really a thing on this channel. Kirsten normally and deliberately chooses homes to feature that are alternative in their nature [including a lot of wonderful tiny-homes], typically designed and/or owned by very thoughtful, conscious people. that's pretty much one of the primary themes here.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

I loved everything about this. From the setting, to the design, and the materials used. A very creative and unique space. I would definitely hire Nicole as a designer/contractor.

[@AshleyLebedev]

Kirsten, whoever you are you have a great job. 🧡 I’d be over the moon to tour the world through its homes. Great channel x

[@MrPhotodoc]

Clever use of low cost techniques and materials in the buildings featured on this channel is what I like the best.

[@krisg3984]

“ a scrappier budget “”. - that’s me ! I love this unique little place ! This is what I enjoy, creative processes

[@HLR4th]

I love that house! Reminds me of a Dr. Seuss structure in the best way!

[@ChrisPage68]

I would like to have seen a bit more about how it stays erect, being as it is a wooden frame. But I love how they made an expensive-looking house with inexpensive materials.

[@willforster]

At 1m51s you can see some big steel i beams within the structure.

[@mereditharmstrong9054]

“Expensive-looking”... so accurate. I wonder how much, though. ‘Was hoping she would say.

@@mereditharmstrong9054 At end of description it say : $160,000 foundation up

[@mereditharmstrong9054]

Ohhhhhh awesome. Missed that. Thank you. (Damn that’s decent!)

[@mereditharmstrong9054]

🤣

[@4foryouglencoco607]

I like the angles of this house, it reminds me Tim Burton's drawings. They were so odd and refreshing

[@maryannebrown2385]

Oh my gosh-Yes! That is a perfect description.

[@fitztastico]

This is really impressive. Especially reusing materials in such a scrappy, effective, visually appealing way

[@rockreader4298]

I am pleasantly surprised that the walls being at odd angles didn't give me a vertigo type feeling of disorientation and nausea. Felt roomy indeed! As a child we had a few tree forts with similarly slanted walls, depending on where obstacles (such as other limbs lol) were and how much scrap wood we could gather. : D

[@reflexology52welsh48]

This project really really excites me,...brilliant architect....wish I had her brain

[@cameliap1146]

😂😂😂

[@tochimex1748]

I think this is brilliant! Kudos to the architect and thank you Kirsten for showing us yet another original living space.

[@sundowner998]

That pine is also called heart pine. It’s very likely reclaimed wood and is a lot more beautiful than yellow pine. It’s old growth and most of it has been cut down. Nice home.

[@chrisharrod3709]

Kirsten is very humble. She knows so much but enters each new space with a beginner’s mind.

[@ChazEvansdale]

This is fantastic. It's definitely given me a new way to look at design. Blair did an amazing job and wow I want her to find me scrap wood for cheap when I make a tiny/small house of my own design. Those finishes were beautiful! 🤍

[@M33IRA]

Brilliant!!! Simply brilliant ... this house looks like it would exist in “Enid Blyton land!” In any of her stories😘

[@alterego157]

Bravo! Slow claps for the architect lady. Overcoming difficult constants and creating such a beautiful and functional space on tight budget... very creative and yet down to earth and realistic. Bravo!

[@petemavus2948]

Charmingly sleek...whodda thunk that was possible ? The "Drunk House" with the sobering capacity to wiggle around so many challenges... ...... With style and grace, low impact repurposing and budget, high design wasabi... and a keen eye for juxtaposition...unique architecture got a DWI (Designing While Inspired) !!!

[@douglasharley2440]

*sweet house* way to transcend the limitations.

[@soldtobediers]

While condensed into 13 minutes 13 seconds... it felt more like 5. Kudos Dirksen's & Nicole for matching the hatch of time with architectural design.

[@sworth881]

Thought I’d not like this one. Loved it, the wooden shakes/shingle exterior looks v.high quality, elevates the feel of the whole building.

[@SkyblueHippie]

This is the cutest and most whimsical (and totally livable) tiny house design I've ever seen!

[@alankelly-hamm2702]

I really like this house, its playful ,very functional and beautifully designed. Kudos to the designer, builder, and client.

[@k.leetalon742]

Wasn't going to watch.this one So glad i did. It is definitely one of the best and one of the only houses that i could see myself living in! Thanks and brava to the architect

[@marcelashagash5808]

First I thought she was the owner, she made a fantastic work!

[@1ceciliaromero]

this is wonderful! I love how architect Nicole Blair thinks!

[@tinekejoldersma]

What a creative house. It looks like a Hawaiian house in the tropics instead of Austin. And all the space on such a limited piece of ground. very very impressive, thanks for showing us this little masterpiece on a budget Kirsten.

[@kenc2257]

The "helpful" carpenter friend who brought in that gorgeous salvaged long-leaf pine added a tremendous amount of style and beauty (and value) to this home. The architect is likewise top notch.

[@ysalvarita]

she and her team are good. smart way of utilizing a small space.

[@nicolelacy4527]

She’s good! That’s a beautiful creation

[@nautilusshell940]

This looks awesome. A beautiful combination of form, function and design on a smart budget.

[@livenotonevil8279]

One day, a fairy tale will be based on this place.

[@designdoctor247]

Love this comment ❤

[@xtreamchance]

Amazing when you literally think out of the box. So well done. As an aside, much like headlines in papers, I thought the "cottage makes extra room" that at some point, this thing would unfold into another room like some origami piece...LOL..but I was more than pleasantly surprised. Texas, in other parts have no restrictions on buildings and then other parts do have restrictions. You high lighted a few years ago, that fellow, a retired theatre set designer, that lived in the wilds of Texas who lived in containers. He said there were almost no restrictions on him at his place. But if you build without notions of proper proportions and resale ability, some great design will come out.

[@marianfrances4959]

That is a fabulous house shape. We'll done! 😉🇨🇦

[@cyrilmoussoki3193]

La maison "ivre", j'aime ce concept, son architecture et son histoire. Bravo à l'architecte Nicole Blair. Merci pour le partage.

[@katietatey]

This is a home run! My favorite part is the reclaimed pine cabinet fronts. The last minute bathtub deletion is kind of a shame but she made it work. (Meaning it's a shame it messed up the design, not that it's a shame to lose the tub). That bedroom looks super cozy, and I love the office nook. I, too, am a HUGE fan of on site laundry and I am impressed she squeezed a washer and dryer in there. I have an Ikea kitchen. It's holding up well 10 years later, and we were able to use every iota of space. I think the lowers being drawers rather than cabinets is so smart. I resisted at first because it was unfamiliar to me, but I love it now. The drawers hold so much more and they are sturdy even packed with heavy pots.

[@sidilicious11]

That is the classiest little house! She is a terrific designer!!!!!

[@norb4152]

Love the outdoor shower! What a cool implementation.

[@nmbr6kid]

This is brilliant and so very personal. I would love to work with someone so professional yet so invested in meeting the client’s needs within budget without looking budget. Just fabulous! 👏👏❤️

[@valerief1231]

What a cool architect, I love her vision!

[@Devilishsuki]

Amazing house! Love how the architect adapted to new materials and options being available to her at every stage

[@SteveEaton]

Wow! What a beautiful project! I love well thought out design that doesn't cost a fortune :)

[@ellax325]

The design is amazing obviously but I'm amazed that she was able to include so many of the owners' wants and needs.

[@HowToADU]

I can already imagine hundreds of topsy turvy ADUs popping up in California now 😂 Taking advantage of those high ceilings and leaning walls!

[@Well_possibly]

Yes, they will lean left and be high.

[@PuffOfSmoke]

I love it! So quirky and interesting to look at. She's a very talented architect. It shows her creativity and innovation but at the same time giving the client a functionable home.

[@haryhary399]

The working space beside the stair is a good spot for DJing for party!!!

[@gardenboots7464]

WOW. I've watched this channel for years now, and this one sparked my imagination anew! Thank you :)

[@gannagass4370]

Amazing ideas from this architect..I like the way she explained all..thanks Kirsten for a great share again

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

BRAVO! A tiny house masterpiece. Brilliant use of limited space!

[@lorenwil]

Ingenius solutions abound! Stylish yet budget-conscious. So well done. Thank you for the walk-through. I love all your videos.

[@hajnika1111]

Wow, bravo 👏. Fantastic advantage that she is also the lead contractor as well as the architect!

[@Amuzic]

I love the attitude of the architect. She didn't even let us realize for first half of the video that she is the one who came up with it. I thought she was the owner. Then she kept pointing out the imperfections and not too fussy about it either and quite content with that being part of the story. Absolutely balanced attitude.

[@jesselafleur2728]

Another outstanding place!!! Thanks guys I don't know where you keep finding these places but don't stop ....

[@desmondtutu7916]

This is the best home-tour channel on youtube! Thanks!

[@humaarsh2285]

This needs to be highly praised. The design, the witty usage of space, the high end finishes, it is all just remarkable. Luxurious yet cozy!

[@metekavruk_Alanya]

Thanks to KZbin we people are now able to watch good quality content like this channel. Thank you Kirsten for your work.

[@Aoudhubillahi]

Very impressed with this piece. She really merges tiny house building with almost a yacht building meticulousness. I have to say that I am pleasantly impressed with her thought process on this piece.

[@mauricepowers3804]

This is a great little house but I am continually astounded by people that put in windows with no screens that makes no sense at all !!!!

[@roleat]

All of the UK lol

[@ravent3016]

@@roleat Germany is the same.

[@ZeoCyberG]

Depends on the area, not a issue everywhere where pests are fewer or places you don't generally keep the windows open anyway and they're more for natural lighting.

[@sidilicious11]

Maurice Powers yeah, without screens you get moths, bats, birds and all manner of bugs in the house. Probably a chipmunk or two also.

[@alejandromate4071]

@@ZeoCyberG i think that is the key information people are missing. All these windows are for lighting , and a couple of them are being opened.

[@joannegriffin]

Every good artist/architect understands that constraints are the genius behind great art. This is a triumph!

[@starkparker16]

The work shown on her website looks great.

[@1savdsoul439]

Definition of “a labor of love”. Those involved cared. Find your passion. You ARE here for a purpose. How we react to life is a choice. Let all you do be done in love! Blessings!

[@w0lf864]

Out of all my channels I subscribe to, this by far is the most amazing and interesting content. The stories, architecture, and quality of footage is amazing.

[@Rauly4557]

This is by far one of the best Tiny homes I have seen.

[@c.c.quimby6757]

I really like Nicole's thinking...I would live in a house like this in a heartbeat!

[@girard6061]

Wonderful design. Thanks for these videos, Kirsten & Co. They're all so inspiring.

[@hadezmage]

Everything feels very natural, not forced, so many features in such a small space, wonderful

[@helgafalckenberg6635]

This kind of building reminds me of the timber-frame structures in medieval Europe... Anyway, very cute and still interesting Thanks for sharing... stay safe and healthy!

[@miyounova]

yes, it's a redesign of very old architecture.

[@ParadoxKismet]

I love this home! The architect is so creative. I love how she thinks outside of the box to work with her clients.

[@womanofsubstance8735]

Unique. I often don't care for slanted ceilings, but the ambience in this home is quite comfortable. I really love the window wall, and who would have thought of an outdoor shower? Excellent.

[@SilverGoth]

What a delightful little house! Love the copper towel bar and the outdoor shower!

[@kazoosc]

this is a delightful little house .. the architect/cotractor did a good job adapting to the site constraints and shows off her flexibility, incorporating the found windows, exterior sheathing and cabinet fronts. sounds like she had a good builder and some subs, as well.

[@nicoleblair8670]

Indeed. Boban Brother's framers and siding, Wishtree cabinet maker, Drophouse steel guys, Delta Millworks charred wood flooring, Jose Rivera stucco installer, and an amazing plumber, Antonio Juarez, that would try just about anything I asked him to make who sadly passed away last year unexpectedly. I really miss him.

[@zx5218]

Kirsten You've done it again. Another interesting thoughtful small house video. I never get tired of your way of telling a story. You must be putting off a vibe that attracts different and unusual narratives. I'll bet someday we'll be reading your biography...

[@cynmann4584]

I love this house. The architect is brilliant. Obvious that great craftsmen did the work.

[@leeannurban7364]

Bravo girl You have done just what I want to do and in Austin! I'm headed back to Austin soon am and looking for a tiny house in Austin area You have given me great hope, thank you!

[@holycanoli3615]

I'm in love with this little house!❤

[@h.j.hatcher6265]

Wow I'm in love with this little big getaway home ....all kids are gone so we could make something like this our forever home. Very nice and amazing ideas

[@charlottehall5191]

Beautiful. Love front windows. Beautiful location. Beautiful cabinet fronts. Really talented carpentry.

[@ElisaAvigayil]

Hi Kirsten, I love the intro to your videos--just the natural noise of the place where you are taping, no music.

[@anydaynow01]

This is a really great use of space, and the design is something I would never get tired of looking at; reminds me of the medieval town houses with their footprint restrictions and they had to build out their floor plans above the first story if they wanted more space.

[@laurakelly631]

wow! This is real creativity..based on training and skills, but not stopped by 'in the box' thinking. Beautiful work!

[@shariberry3123]

I love the windows! And the shake siding. Excellent!

[@mompuff6857]

Genius!! It’s beautiful!! She shingles are gorgeous!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elizabeths4371]

The light fixtures in the kitchen are Genius and I liked the innovative bathroom plumbing solutions too!

[@karinrichardson7630]

An Absolutely Beautiful home. You are a phenomenal architect!

[@deezynar]

Excellent use of the space. It's a practical, functional, house in a small footprint with no significant compromises.

[@carolluther1625]

I love the creativity, unique design and recycling! Nothing wrong with frugality, doesn't have to be crazy expensive. Love cedar siding, I lived in 2 houses with cedar siding.

[@askelsonrl]

You are a brilliant architect! Great job!