Austin Grotto Dome Home!

Austin Grotto Dome Home!

Austin Grotto Dome Home!

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John Watson had the exuberance of youth and a passion for the new architecture just as the barriers were breaking through from conventional to modern. Wanting to be on the cutting edge of his newly acquired profession, in 1954 he went to work and apprenticed under Frank Lloyd Wright. The experience, he said, changed his life and he finally understood why he didn’t like standard designs. They were closed in, creating a barrier between man and nature. Wright inspired him to break free and design organic structures that would achieve the opposite. Watson, now in his element, continued to study and analyse new concepts as they were discovered and incorporated many of them in his designs. Later he would come to build many architecturally significant homes in the Austin, Texas area including the Nautilus residence on Lake Travis, the Mushroom House at Lakeway on Lake Travis, the Grotto Dome on Spillar Lane and his own home on Redbud Trail.

Now for sale is his Grotto Dome house where he combined the dome concept with the organic exposure to nature including lush plantings deep within a grotto-like setting where the sound of falling water and views of greenery were integrated seamlessly into the design. One of Watson’s main goals for the structure was to have an ancient outcropping of rock reflect off the glass walls, adding another, if unexpected, layer of beauty from the site.

At 2,506 square feet covering different levels, the two bedroom home has so many places to explore both inside and outside with vanishing thresholds in places like the billiard room, open on one side with ferns and ficus vine creeping up the walls adding to the organic effect. Updated with a new kitchen and in other areas of the home, the jungle atmosphere around the infinity pool could easily have the owners relating to the likes of Tarzan and Jane. Some of the home’s unique design includes decks and balconies cantilevered over the grotto and free-standing fireplace in the main living room. For more information.

Commune with nature in the cultivated jungle of Austin’s grotto dome home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and designed by his protege, John Watson. A unique Texas home priced at $1.9 million.

Source: www.sothebysrealty.com