Dwell: A Lot for a Little – Texas Home by Regina and Andy Rihn

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Dwell has a great article on how a couple made the most of their low budget to build their dream home. When they initially made their foray into the real estate market in Austin, Texas, Regina and Andy Rihn had a meager $100,000 budget, and the prospective homes they toured were in disrepair and required significant financial investment to be habitable. However, their prospects brightened when Andy reconnected with childhood friend Amy Dempsey, who was working as an architect building low cost housing on the city’s east side. Dempsey partnered with her architecture firm’s owner and purchased a lot, where they each designed and built a home, with Dempsey acting as general contractor.

The resulting home is an open plan, 1200 square foot modern ranch, with an emphasis on affordable building techniques and integrated environmentally friendly features. Concrete block, Hardiplank siding, and a metal roof kept costs low, while carefully considered window placement and large sliding glass doors keep the indoor temperature moderate. The couple, who originally envisioned themselves in a 1930’s cottage, has come to realize that a vintage inclination can be reconciled with modern architecture with beautiful results.

Read the whole article over at Dwell.