![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_hero2-852x479.jpg)
Matt Fajkus designs asymmetric Austin residence for vintage car lover
Texas studio Matt Fajkus Architecture has created a two-storey building that features a garage at ground level and a home above, part of which cantilevers over the site.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x568.jpg)
Designed for a car collector, the Autohaus is situated on a slender property in Austin that totals 10,300 square feet (957-square-metre). Local studio Matt Fajkus Architecture was charged with designing a building that contains both living quarters, and a space for the repair and display of classic cars.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_16-852x569.jpg)
In response, the studio conceived a two-storey building that consists of an asymmetrical gabled volume that sits atop a rectilinear base. A light-filled stairwell provides access between the two levels. In total, the building encompasses 4,088 square feet (380 square metres).
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x569.jpg)
"The design features compact living quarters, expressed as a single mass, floating above an open area for flexible gathering and automobile calibration/display," the architect said.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1278.jpg)
Made of concrete, the lower volume has several wood-faced garage doors. The garage features polished concrete flooring and exposed columns and ceiling trusses. The pared-down interior is enlivened by a colourful collection of cars, including models from Porsche, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x1275.jpg)
The upper portion of the building is wrapped in dark grey metal and large expanses of glass. Protruding seams on the side facades give the walls a textured appearance.
For the street-facing elevation, the team extruded the upper level, which cantilevers 20 feet (six metres) over the site and forms a carport below. The cantilever is supported by structural steel beams.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x1277.jpg)
"The second-floor volume is shifted forward to allow for double-height views to the garage space at the back, while creating an everyday carport beneath the hovering bed chamber in the front," the team said.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x568.jpg)
Inside, the one-bedroom dwelling has a fluid and straightforward layout. The master suite connects to an office nook sheathed in wood, and beyond that, an open-plan kitchen and living area. The home features a restrained use of materials and a soft colour palette with black accents.
A rooftop terrace – shaded by a wooden canopy and surrounding trees – provides ample space for relaxing and entertaining.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_19-852x1027.jpg)
"Custom-made steel and glass sliding doors open the living space to a large roof terrace surrounded by tree canopies, enabling indoor/outdoor living in an urban setting," the studio said.
![Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/10/autohaus-matt-fajkus_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x1251.jpg)
Matt Fajkus Architecture is an Austin-based studio founded in 2010. Other projects by the firm include a low-lying dermatology office with concrete and glass walls, and a spacious family dwelling made of cedar, concrete and stucco.
Photography is by Charles Davis Smith, Perfecto Creative, Casey Woods and MF Architecture.
Project credits:
Architect: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Architecture design team: Matt Fajkus, David Birt, Sarah Wassel, Jooyoung Kim
General contractor: Risinger & Co
Structural engineer: ARCH Consulting Engineers
First floor walls: Bautex Systems
AV: Smarter Homes
Logistic support: Nitsche Events
Countertops: Caesarstone
Trusses: RedBuilt
Concrete: Bautex Systems
Custom steel doors and windows: Risinger & Co
Kitchen appliances: Bosch
Kitchen and bathroom fixtures: Kohler