Belmont Parkway

About

Studio Balcones has crafted an award-winning landscape design that harmoniously integrates with the natural beauty of a forested site in central Austin. This project, recognized with the American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award, showcases a thoughtful approach to landscape architecture, celebrating the rich biodiversity of the area while enhancing the site’s unique topography. Nestled among majestic live oaks, red oaks, and cedar elms, the project’s design artfully navigates the dramatic slope down to Shoal Creek. The house is connected by a bridge linking its upper halves, with a stairway gracefully descending into the lush landscape below. At street level is a serene entrance courtyard, featuring quiet brick paving, custom gabion walls, and benches. The carefully curated plant palette - consisting of whale’s tongue agave, silver saw palmetto, white autumn sage, fall aster, fragrant mistflower, and various perennial grasses - enhances the tranquil ambiance. A winding limestone boulder pathway meanders through the heritage live oaks, leading to the back of the house. Here, stone retaining walls planted with sweeping beds of sedges, inland sea oats, pink Turk’s cap, and sumac effectively manage rainwater runoff, channeling it toward Shoal Creek. To the west of the house, a secluded “secret garden” unfolds, featuring a garden filled with herbs and perennials, an outdoor shower, and a circular brick patio surrounding a custom concrete dipping pool. This intimate space invites relaxation and recreation, further enriching the landscape. The landscape design at this central Austin residence not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property but also fosters a variety of spaces for family enjoyment. By working with the site’s topography, geology, and wooded natural setting, Studio Balcones has created a landscape that is both functional and beautiful, celebrating the essence of its surroundings.

This garden’s estimated size is 1 acre.

A photographer will be present at this Open Day event. By purchasing this ticket, attendees are providing consent for their likeness to be used for promotional and marketing purposes.

2025 Open Day: Saturday, November 8

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.