In the bustling outskirts of downtown Austin in the historic Castle Hill neighborhood, a steep, tricky lot was transformed by Forge Craft Architecture + Design, building a new, modern certified Passive House duplex behind an existing bungalow originally built in 1924.
Designed in 2020 and completely renovated in 2025 with intentionality, humble materials, and sustainable practices, the cottage feels true to Studio Ferme’s ethos and warm, welcoming aesthetic.
In collaboration with Forge Craft on the interior architecture and overall vision for the 7th Street project, the cottage preserves and invigorates the street’s historic character, and invites density among the high-performance residences on a fully-utilized lot.
The small footprint of the cottage remained the same in the renovation, while the floorplan was opened in the main living space and a second full bathroom was added. Though the spaces are compact, the home feels cozy and more than just enough for future renters.
The cottage became an essentially new yet historically honored house, cheerful, and infused with natural light, particularly the addition of a vaulted ceiling with light wells over the kitchen, clad in painted shiplap repurposed from the original home.
Photography: Likeness Studio
Interior Design / Styling : Studio Ferme
Architecture : Forge Craft Architecture + Design
Builder : Form to Finish
Residential Staging : Soso Spiffy