Riverview Gardens | Bercy Chen Studio

Riverview gardens is a series of 3 identical houses located in Austin, Texas, one block north of Lake Austin (now Lady Bird Lake). Each house’s plan is stretched on axis toward the lake to frame the primary view while creating semi-private yards between the houses. Spatial organization is driven by the view of the lake. A series of glass and vegetative screens divide the primary spaces on each floor, thus creating a filter between the public space facing the lake and the private space on the opposite side. As one moves from public space to private, the view of the lake is gradually obstructed, retaining the plan’s organizational focus while allowing increasing amounts of privacy. The units contain 2000 square feet of conditioned space and an equivalent amount of outdoor living space. The units are raised off the ground to provide covered parking and a recreation area below while capitalizing on views of the lake above the tree line. All roof surfaces are occupiable. The main roof is designed as a partially enclosed “room” with tall translucent panels ensuring privacy, framing views, and reflecting the light of the sky.