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MF Architecture Builds A House Around A Tree

Matt Fajkus Architecture, or MF Architecture, designed this modern house in Austin, Texas that’s built around an oak tree. Dubbed the Tree House, each of the rooms of the house look out onto the tree, whose canopy stretches out and shades the outdoor space.

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The front part of the house is a two-story structure which sets the tone for its street presence. Extending back from there are one-story wings on each side of the tree creating a private backyard retreat.

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The upper floor appears as a floating white box covered in stucco. Other portions of the exterior are clad in vertical wood boards.

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A wall of windows in the two-story part of the house looks out to the outdoor space framing different sections of the tree and bringing daylight into the entryway.

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The entry way seems like the perfect spot to park your motorcycle, right? (Love it!)

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The two-story window wall tapers in slightly towards the top to give the tree room to grow.

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A large concrete planter separates the living room from the kitchen and dining room.

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The master suite features a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling which warms up the concrete floors and continues outside to the exterior soffit.

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The private backyard has a terrace that steps down to the yard giving it an amphitheater feel for parties and performances the owners have.

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Photos by Brian Mihealsick, Bryant Hill, and Twist Tours.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.