It’s All About The Materiality For This Collaborative Austin Duo

Materiality plays a vital role in the design and construction of any residential project. Builder Wes Wigginton of Foursquare Builders and architect Breck Craparo of Breckstudio Architecture know this best, having recently completed a house on Lake Austin in collaboration with High Camp Home. Here, the duo divulges how materials factor into their work and this new home in particular.

What are your tried-and-true materials?

Wes Wigginton: We tend to use natural stone for exterior and interior veneers as it lends durability and adds warmth to a house. We also incorporate architectural metal throughout our builds. It’s long-lasting and provides opportunities for custom solutions. 

How is this project unique?

Breck Craparo: It’s the first residence in Texas to use cross-laminated timber panels, a growing construction method with many benefits—and this shows how luxurious the material can be far beyond its green aspects.

What elements are highlighted here?

WW: Clear vertical grain Western red cedar, Alto plaster and quartered white oak flooring. Almost everything in the entry was handcrafted by our trim carpenters.

How can materials impact architecture?

BC: Using natural elements roots the architecture within the landscape. The stone walls have a sense of permanence and seem to grow from the ground, while the timber structure delicately shades the living spaces.

PHOTOS: INTERIOR VIGNETTE, CASEY DUNN; WES WIGGINTON PORTRAIT, DANIEL NGUYEN PHOTOGRAPHY; BRECK CRAPARO PORTRAIT, J. NOEL