Design Office

Austin, USA
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
© Casey Dunn
Architects
Clayton Korte
Location
2201 N. Lamar Boulevard, 78705 Austin, USA
Year
2018
Architecture & Interior Design
Clayton Korte
General Contractor
Burnish & Plumb
Landscape Architect
Word + Carr Design Group
Structural Engineer
Scott Williamson, P.E.
Metal Fabricator
Drophouse Design

Located on North Lamar Boulevard just north of downtown Austin, Clayton Korte’s office embodies the firm’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and to fostering discourse in the design community. Officially named Design Office, the mid-century office space is home to two design practices, Clayton Korte and Word + Carr Design Group, a landscape architecture firm.

The 1963, steel-framed, brick-infill building needed a lot of work, but Clayton Korte recognized the untapped potential of its raw spaces. The 10,000-square-foot, two-story structure is set into the hillside abutting one of Austin’s principle thoroughfares. A severe slope and unstable soils meant the first order of business was stabilizing the structure. Following stabilization, the dreary interior was gutted to allow for a minimal set of new spaces. Small perimeter windows doubled in size to bring in more light and treetop views of the adjacent Pease Park. Perimeter interior walls were clad in homesite and topped with industrial felt. A few private offices are pulled to the corners, ensuring an open, free-flowing floor plan.

The former utilitarian stair connecting the first and second floors was removed. The remaining opening was widened to accommodate a wood-wrapped stairway featuring a steel stringer with exposed weld joints and oil-finished post oak, harvested following a severe drought in 2011. Ceilings and floors remain raw. Plate steel baseboards continue the minimalist aesthetic. Custom steel windows and interior doors were fabricated in-house. A new, glass-and-steel facade welcomes visitors upon entry at the front of the building. Exterior brick is lime-washed, a simple durable finish traditionally used in the area.

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Other Projects by Clayton Korte

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Austin, USA
Herrera Law Office
Austin, USA
McKinney & Sampson
Houston, USA
Fulldraw Winery
Paso Robles, USA
The Albert Hotel
Fredericksburg, USA