Dezeen Magazine

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Vertical strips surround white Barcode House in Austin by Webber + Studio

US firm Webber + Studio has covered this family home in Austin with metal cladding that features raised strips of varying widths.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Barcode House is one of the many new buildings in the Texan city's Bouldin neighbourhood. It was constructed amongst existing trees on a Columbus Street lot, which restricted the home's layout.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

"This new home was designed for a family of four on a small lot that appeared unbuildable given an enormous pair of Live Oak trees and their critical root zone," said Webber + Studio.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

The building's metal cladding has raised vertical strips that create a pattern similar to a barcode, but its painted entirely white to stand out from the foliage.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

The 1,700-square-foot (158-square-metre) structure has a front-facing garage and decked steps along the left side leading up to an orange-coloured door.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

While the street facade only has a small amount of glazing, the back features much larger windows to maximise natural light entering the home.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Inside, plywood walls are coated in a clear glaze, making the space feel rustic yet clean, and the floors are poured concrete.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

"The house reflects the personalities of the pair of owners," said the firm. "Plywood interior wall surfaces and stained concrete floors are warm and relaxed, reflecting her hard-working earthiness and contrast with his tech-y entrepreneurialism reflected in the scrappy but resourceful 'bar-code' exterior siding pattern."

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Webber + Studio collaborated with local firm Cravotta Interiors for the interior decor. A living room features a leather couch, two metal chairs and a separate reading nook.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

To the left of the entryway is a kitchen with an island that serves as both eating and preparation space. Wooden chairs offset the black countertops and cabinets.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Next to the kitchen is an outdoor deck, adding more living space to the home. The garden is visible from virtually anywhere on the ground floor thanks to the numerous floor-to-ceiling windows.

Barcode House by Webber Studio

Past the kitchen towards the back of the home is a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and private en-suite. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a den and a spacious balcony atop the garage, overlooking the quiet, residential street.

Austin's Barcode House is among a flurry of white metal-clad houses cropping up across the United States. Other examples include a home in Portland by Ben Waecther, a residence in San Francisco by Edmonds + Lee and a New Jersey dwelling by Levenbetts.

More images and plans

Barcode House by Webber Studio
Barcode House by Webber Studio
First floor plan
909 Columbus Street Webber + Studio, Architects Columbus Street Residence 1700sf Residential New Construction Completed February 2015 This new home was designed for a family of four on a small lot that appeared unbuildable given an enormous pair of Live Oak trees and their critical root zones. The resultant buildable area accommodated a pair of volumes connected by a spatial isthmus creating a barbell shaped footprint The pair of inside corners provide diagonal views between a corresponding pair of outdoor zones: the public front and the private back corners of the site.
Site plan