In Texas, a Moorish-Inspired Residence Riffs on Old-World Architecture
Bercy Chen Studio calls on Mediterranean and Islamic design to break up the starkness of an Austin home.
Bercy Chen Studio calls on Mediterranean and Islamic design to break up the starkness of an Austin home.
A few months after moving from Salt Lake City to the east side of Austin, Texas, Creede Fitch and his wife decided to transition from renting a house to settling in and building a home. They soon found a lot they loved—5,837 square feet with a beautiful pecan tree at the center.
However, the tree had protected status, which is not uncommon in Austin, and couldn’t be moved. "It was actually a saving grace," says Creede. "We were able to get the lot cheaply, and we knew we could make it work."
Creede Fitch and his wife look out on the courtyard of their Austin home, where a heritage pecan tree has pride of place. The tan rug and white chairs resting poolside are from IKEA.
Photo: Andrea Calo
After meeting with several Austin architects, the couple found their perfect match in Thomas Bercy of Bercy Chen Studio. Bercy was able to marry Creede’s taste for midcentury and Mexican modern design with his wife’s affinity for Mediterranean and Moorish elements in a two-story whitewashed cube and equally boxy guesthouse/office. Breaking the starkness of the design are patterned metal screens reminiscent of mashrabiya, an Islamic architectural element used to create privacy, passive cooling, and natural ventilation.
In the open kitchen/dining area, a Log table by Julien Renault for Hem is surrounded by Emeco Navy chairs.
Photo: Andrea Calo
Moorish-influenced screens veil recessed windows, and clean white walls show off the couple’s art collection. "It’s as much a gallery as it is a home," says designer Thomas Bercy. The coventry stools in the living room are by Studio Dunn.
Photo: Andrea Calo
See the full story on Dwell.com: In Texas, a Moorish-Inspired Residence Riffs on Old-World Architecture
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