- Project: Autohaus
- Architect: Matt Fajkus Architecture
- Location: United States, Austin, Texas
- Year: 2017
- Area: 380 m2
Blending automotive passion with minimalist architecture, the Autohaus by Matt Fajkus Architecture is a modern residence suspended above a classic car garage, designed for a couple of former race car drivers and automotive restoration mentors in Austin, Texas.
This 4,088 sq ft residence transforms the concept of a home by elevating domestic life above a light-filled car gallery, creating an architectural expression that is both functional and visually striking.
A Home for Cars and People Alike
Autohaus is a dream come true for vintage car collectors, featuring an open-plan ground floor entirely devoted to automobile display, calibration, and workshops. Hovering above this space, a sleek residential volume floats—composed of compact living quarters that benefit from abundant natural light and treetop views.
A twenty-foot cantilever in the front of the structure, supported by massive W30x116 steel beams, creates a dynamic architectural form while providing shaded space below for everyday parking.
“The second-floor volume is shifted forward to allow for double-height views to the garage while creating a carport beneath the hovering bed chamber,” explain the architects.
Crafted Steel, Custom Details
The architecture team worked closely with the onsite contractor to design and fabricate custom steel windows and doors, ensuring precise detailing and a finish worthy of the cars housed within. The process allowed for full customization and high-end execution, turning the structure into both a living space and a collaborative workshop.
The staircase connecting both volumes is bathed in daylight, adding a sculptural moment of transparency that visually bridges the industrial and domestic realms.
Sustainable and High-Performance Envelope
Sustainability is central to the Autohaus concept. The building uses lightweight insulated concrete composite blocks to ensure strength, airtightness, and energy efficiency. The garage maintains excellent indoor environmental quality—a must for preserving vintage cars and providing a comfortable workspace.
“The building envelope exceeds modern performance codes,” notes the design team.
Additional sustainable strategies include the use of recycled materials, reduced concrete consumption, and an integrated approach to energy and material efficiency.
Designed for Flexibility and Aging in Place
More than just a car house, Autohaus is a future-ready home. A secondary one-bedroom unit has already been planned within the garage, allowing the aging clients to downsize within the same structure. This emphasis on adaptability makes Autohaus a model for multi-phase living and lifetime sustainability.
The living quarters also extend to a generous rooftop terrace, offering outdoor space shaded by tree canopies—a rare amenity in an urban lot.
