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Texan studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture borrowed from mid-century modern design to create the Balboa Surf Club restaurant, which features lush plants, rich-toned wood and green upholstery. More
Texas studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture adapted a 110-year-old bungalow into an office for technology and bio-science investment firm 8VC in Austin.
Completed in 2023, 8VC’s new Austin headquarters are located on a half-acre lot along South Congress Avenue, a busy entertainment district of the Texas capital.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture renovated an early 20th-century house in AustinOriginally constructed in 1912, the home was once a brothel and had many renovations, becoming the first building south of the city’s Colorado River to have power.
“This project preserves one of the few remaining stately houses on South Congress,” Michael Hsu, founder of his eponymous studio, told Dezeen. “The design takes cues from its past by providing a fresh take on vintage inspirations and opens up the space to accommodate modern uses.”
The design preserved many original detailsUsing the client’s desire for “an office that felt like a home,” the team revamped the two-storey house into a 4,845-square foot (450-square metre) workspace with multiple production, meeting, and gathering spaces — including a 557-square feet (52-square metre) clubhouse tucked at the back of the property.
The preserved exterior of the building draws on the home’s original stately design but was updated and sealed in a dark matte finished stucco with low-profile dark window frames.
The ground floor is oriented around hearth spacesRelocating the entry around the side of the property with a grand wrap-around plaza, the home’s original screened porch was traded for a glazed exterior corner that connects the exterior and interior spaces.
The ground floor consists of multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. The interior is organized around a central enfilade and two hearth spaces inspired by the original brick chimneys.
The clients wanted a home-like feel to the interiorThe rich, warm-toned interior has a “sophisticated study-like atmosphere is achieved through the careful selection of materials and color-mapped palettes, including walnut wood floors, lime wash paint, striking wall coverings, plaster arches and marble finishes,” the team said.
Plaster arched openings pass from the white central lounge to jewel-toned gathering spaces – one of which features a ribbed black fireplace that appears to melt into the floor in front of a marble coffee table.
A mix of modern and antique furniture was used”The furnishings, a mix of vintage and modern pieces with luxe fabrics and textures, create a sense of intimacy.”
Designed to be “luxurious but not ostentatious”, the office features textured and sculptural accents like a leather-wrapped reception desk by David Ambrose and a grand chandelier by Karen Hawkins that hangs in the centre of the staircase.
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Above, the plan was reorganised with a large open desk layout in the southern corner along the glazed wall and private offices lining the northwestern and northeastern walls.
“The interior was inspired to feel fresh but like it was original to the house,” the team said with “multiple moments of surprise and intrigue depending on where you are in the space”.
Between the main office and the separated clubhouse is a large outdoor gathering area shaded by the heritage tree canopy that the team preserved during construction.
“It was important to us that the building and its design reflect the values of our company and our mission,” 8VC founder Jake Medwell told Dezeen. “It took years to find and build out the right place and we are very happy with the outcome.”
Recently, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture adapted a 1930s church in Austin into a studio for argodesign.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
Project credits:
Landscape: MHOAGeneral contractor: The Burt GroupMEP: AYSStructural: StructuresOwner’s rep: Darrell Arevalo, Urban TerraWaterproofing: ActonCivil: WGISignage: BIG
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Texas studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas for a 50-storey residential high-rise building in Austin, as shown in this exclusive video captured by Dezeen.
Called 44 East, the building is located east of downtown Austin in the Rainey Street Historic district. The firm designed the interiors of the building’s common areas, which take cues from its natural surroundings, particularly the neighbouring Colorado River.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the interiors of 44 East
The practice enhanced the space using colour and texture, layering vintage and custom furnishings to create a relaxed and inviting ambience.
Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated throughout the space, with poured concrete terrazzo floors incorporated to pay homage to the gravel of the nearby riverside trail.
Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated into the lobby area of 44 EastThe interior is characterised by the use of soft shapes and natural materials throughout the various spaces, including on the eleventh floor, where pastel hues complement subtle architectural details.
The outdoor swimming pool features a series of pebble-shaped islands, with a partially-covered patio inviting guests to relax outside and enjoy the views of the river.
The eleventh floor features a circular outdoor swimming poolOn the thirty-seventh floor, a large moon-like pendant light is suspended above a plush circular sofa.
The higher vantage point offers scenic views of downtown Austin, and features jewel tones and darker materials intended to complement the Texas skyline at dusk.
The thirty-seventh floor features darker tones to complement views of the Texas skyline44 East was developed by Intracorp, while the tower and unit interiors were designed by Page and landscapes designed by DWG.
The interior design of the common spaces is one of the latest projects by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which is based in Austin and Houston.
The company recently completed its self-designed Austin studio, which is adorned in wood-and-fabric lined walls and industrial details, to accommodate its growing team.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
Partnership content
This video was produced by Dezeen for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has adorned its studio with wood-and-fabric lined walls and industrial details in Austin in order to create a material “representation” of its work.
Located in Austin’s Rosedale neighbourhood, the 10,750-square-foot (1,000-square metre) studio combines elements of residential and warehouse architecture.
Michael Hsu Office for Architecture has completed its self-designed Austin studio”The new studio provides us with the additional space we needed and is a physical representation of our process. The spaces are designed to facilitate how we work now – allowing for different modes, sizes, and shapes of collaboration.” founder Michael Hsu said.
“We wanted to design a space for our team to develop curiosity and creativity while being surrounded by a community of talented people.”
The project features bespoke touchesIt was completed in July 2022 for its growing team. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture occupies the first and third floors of the three-storey building.
The exterior is wrapped in locally crafted terracotta block along the base and dark-coloured horizontal cladding around the top floors that is punctured by large windows.
Exposed steel trusses add an atmosphere of industry to the spaceThe rectangular plan is bisected by a large pale green exterior staircase with a slatted roof to shade it from the Texas sun. Wooden soffits warm the exterior material with subtle blade signs directing circulation.
Inside, exposed steel trusses – painted white – add an atmosphere of industry to the space, while the thin black window frames and mullions provide delicate contrast.
Scarlet-hued velvet furniture contrasts with various industrial accents”The spaces allow for different modes, sizes and shapes of collaboration across a larger footprint,” the team said. “Humble materials were used in beautiful and unexpected ways.”
“Bespoke furnishings and curated artwork throughout the space reflect a commitment to collaboration with MHOA’s favorite fabricators and artists.”
A painting by Patrick Puckett decorates the entry loungeThe ground floor – with conference rooms designated for entertaining clients scattered within the buzz of the office – prioritizes finish and formality with bold monochromatic colours.
The entry lounge is wrapped in light grey routed wooden wall panels and adorned with a vibrant painting by Patrick Puckett and a custom light fixture by Warbach Lighting in collaboration with artist Brandon Mike.
The casual workspace is juxtaposed by more “formal” conference roomsGrey drapes and scarlet-coloured velvet furniture serve as a plush alternative to the clean lines of the custom spalted maple and polished aluminium reception desk.
The open-plan workspace is full of light with Calacatta Gold Borghini marble and soft white details set off by raw white oak flooring and walnut desktops and millwork.
These rooms are draped in sapphire silk and mohair wall coveringsThe casual workspace is juxtaposed with the “formal dining space” of the conference rooms. Draped in sapphire silk and mohair wall coverings, the conference rooms have custom tables by Michael Wilson and Drophouse, vintage chairs and suspended metallic light fixtures.
Upstairs, the light-filled elevator lobby has playful art inclusions like Shawn Smith’s pixelated deer head sculpture and Hsu’s vintage Ducati motorcycle.
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The third floor serves as a collaborative space for the designers with “a hands-on material lab and a generous lounge and kitchen designed to support social connection”.
A custom mint-green and chrome Litmus Industries cabinet divides the space and serves as an intimate moment within the open space full of combined white desks.
A mint-green and chrome Litmus Industries cabinet divides the space”It was important to the team to represent expertise and show exceptional hospitality to clients while being inclusive and accommodating to MHOA’s designers,” the studio said.
The office’s affinity for soft jewel-toned furniture placed in large industrial spaces is evident in its 2019 design of Shake Shack’s headquarters in New York and the recent conversion of a 1930s church for Argodesign’s Austin office.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
Project credits:
Architecture + interiors, FFE selection and procurement: Michael Hsu Office of ArchitectureCustom light fixture: designed in collaboration with Warbach Lighting and artist Brandon MikeCustom tables: Michael Wilson and DrophouseCustom millwork and reception desk: Litmus IndustriesArtists: Patrick Puckett, Denise Prince, Clare Grill, Seung Yul Oh, Dorota Jedrusik, Hugo Pernet and Paolo Arao
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US studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas and amenity spaces for a residential skyscraper in Austin, Texas, which include a circular outdoor swimming pool.
The 51-storey 44 East Avenue development on the city’s riverfront was designed by Page Architects, and includes 330 condominiums and a variety of shared amenities for residents.
The ground-floor lobby of 44 East Avenue includes a glazed atrium that divides the spaceLocal studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture took an organic approach when designing the communal spaces, introducing soft shapes and natural materials to the glass and concrete structure.
“44 East combines nature and design with the idea of home,” said studio founder Michael Hsu. “It’s an unexpected expression of what beautiful, livable, modern spaces can be.”
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has layered a variety of vintage and custom furniture in the lobbyThe bright lobby features light colours, curved surfaces, and a blend of hard and soft materials.
Poured concrete terrazzo floors are intended to echo the gravel of the nearby riverside trail, while plaster ceilings are subtly smooth-edged to mimic the undersides of boats.
A rounded mint-green reception desk sits in front of a white tambour wallA glazed atrium with curved corners divides the ground floor and brings the landscaping by DWG further into the building.
Lounges on either side are furnished with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, which add colour and texture.
On the 11th floor, spaces feature pastel tones to match the interiors of the residencesThe reception desk has rounded edges and sides, and a glossy mint-green finish. It sits on a chrome base that matches a custom pendant light over a nearby seating area.
“[The communal areas are] a completely designed experience, one that allows for a multitude of ways of living,” Hsu said. “It represents creativity and design without pretension.”
A circular outdoor swimming pool has loungers and pebble-shaped islands at its shallow endsOn the 11th floor, a series of spaces are oriented towards views of the Colorado River and the leafy neighbourhoods to the south.
A circular outdoor swimming pool features loungers dipped into the shallow water and a series of pebble-shaped islands.
A tree grows through a hole in the canopy that covers a patio area for grillingAdjacent is a partially covered patio for barbecuing and dining al fresco, oriented around a planter with a tree that grows up through a hole in the slatted canopy.
Indoor spaces on this level are decorated in pastel hues to match those found in the residences, which were designed by Page.
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Further amenity areas on the 37th floor feature jewel tones and darker materials, such as the stone flooring, as well as fixtures including a large moon-like pendant light above a circular sofa.
“We hope that this space feels both fresh and welcoming, a place that has new moments to discover, but that is comfortable and familiar,” said Hsu. “Design here is part of the resident’s everyday experience, rather than reserved for a special occasion.”
Another lounge on the 37th floor has darker decor and a view of the Austin skylineAustin continues to grow as a desirable place to live and work, and has seen a boom in development across residential, commercial and hospitality sectors as a result.
Plans for a supertall skyscraper in the city were unveiled in November 2022, although cut back significantly six months later, leaving another supertall by KPF in the running to become Texas’ tallest building.
44 East Avenue is located beside the Colorado River, east of Downtown AustinMeanwhile, a concrete office complex, a sculptural tower, and a technologically advanced sports arena have all been completed in Austin over the past year.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has also wrapped up a string of projects in its home state, from converting a 1930s Austin church into a design office to designing a cosy Japanese restaurant in Houston.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
Project credits:
Common areas/amenity spaces: Michael Hsu Office of ArchitectureHome interiors: PageLandscape architect: DWGDeveloper: IntracorpPre-construction: FlintcoCivil engineering: WGI
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Hearths found in Japanese farmhouses informed the interiors of this restaurant in Houston, designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture used chunky timber batons to create a deep partition that frames the tiled reception area, creating the impression of a central hearth.
A wooden lattice frames the entrance to Uchiko Houston”Inspired by the central hearth of Japanese farmhouses, Uchiko presents a sense of intimacy with a central focal point, which feels both old and new,” said the studio.
“The rough material is manipulated in a refined manner to create an unexpected arrival experience.”
Warm-toned materials create a cosy atmosphere in the dining roomsThe studio created this latest location for the Uchi brand as a sister concept – Uchiko meaning “child of Uchi” – after designing its space in Miami earlier this year.
Some of the design elements used in the South Florida restaurant were adapted for this counterpart, including a latticed screen around the entryway.
Booths are lined with blue patterned wallpaper by Camille WarmingtonThroughout the restaurant, warm tones of timber and Venetian plaster are found alongside cooler blues as in the banquette upholstery and patterned wallpaper by artist Camille Warmington behind the booths.
The same colour was used by local muralists Alfredo and Vera Montenegro to draw the eye up to double-height portions of the ceiling, which gently curve at the top.
Murals that echo the wallpaper patterns draw the eye up to the mezzanine levelA mezzanine level overlooking the murals includes a private dining space with a bar and sushi bar inhabiting opposite walls.
Reclaimed walnut flooring runs through the two main dining spaces, positioned on either side of the hearth-like entryway.
A chef’s table sits at the centre of the restaurantThe room is also punctuated by a large private dining area, as well as a chef’s table featuring a large, blue fringe light fixture.
White oak and cedar furniture, including custom banquettes influenced by the work of Brazilian modernist designer Jose Zanine Caldas, are enhanced with bronze and brass details.
Michael Hsu converts 1940s Houston church into Asian smokehouse
A long sushi bar stretches the back of the space, with a linear light fixture above highlighting the performances of the chefs behind.
Custom-designed, cast concrete light shades by sculptor Brandon Mike feature in the entryway and above the dining tables.
A long sushi bar runs below a linear light fixture”Bold design moves work with layered materiality to create a cosy dining experience,” said the studio.
Uchiko Houston also has an outdoor patio and bar that adds to the already lively atmosphere of the Post Oak neighbourhood.
Uchiko Houston’s outdoor patio adds to the lively atmosphere of the Post Oak neighbourhoodMichael Hsu founded his studio in Austin in 2005 and opened a second office in Houston in 2018.
His team converted a 1940s church into an Asian smokehouse earlier this year and has previously completed projects that range from a Texas Hill Country house to Shake Shack’s headquarters in New York.
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US firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture aimed to preserve the character of a gabled church in Texas while transforming it into a lively Asian smokehouse called Loro Heights.
The project – located in Houston’s Heights neighbourhood – involved the conversion of a red-brick church dating to 1948 into a restaurant with an “active and casual atmosphere”, the team said.
Michael Hsu has converted a gabled church into a restaurant named Loro HeightsRoughly L-shaped in plan, the building consists of gabled volumes that are set around outdoor space. Original elements included a sanctuary with a vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden trusses.
Local firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture wanted to honour the building’s history while incorporating features that align with Loro’s style and character.
The building’s features include exposed wooden trusses and gabled roofs”It was important for us to preserve the existing character of the church,” said architect Michael Hsu, who founded his studio in 2005.
“The design celebrates the vast sanctuary space and maintains the existing wooden trusses, while other elements relate directly to the Loro brand.”
The smokehouse was informed by old Texan dance hallsIn addition to Houston, Loro restaurants are found in Austin and Dallas. The eateries offer barbecue fare with an Asian twist, such as char stew pork belly with a hoisin sauce and smoked beef brisket with Thai herbs.
In terms of ambiance, the restaurants are designed to evoke old Texan dance halls and the “welcome feelings of socializing around a family table”, the team said.
A lighting installation by Fibrous hangs from the ceilingWith these factors in mind, Hsu and his team re-conceived the building’s exterior and interior.
On the front elevation, the team clad one side of the building in Western red cedar and Douglas fir, and cut away a portion of the wall to form an opening partly covered by a wooden lattice.
Dining tables were added to the front porch and the former church sanctuaryJust behind the opening is a “front porch” with dining tables. Suspended overhead is a custom lighting installation by Fibrous, a studio in Austin.
“The piece consists of massive ropes knotted together to form a delicate network akin to a chandelier, which grounds the high ceiling,” the team said.
Wooden ceiling curves over restaurant in Austin by Michael Hsu
The porch connects to the former church sanctuary, which has been transformed into a dining hall and bar.
In addition to the vaulted celling and trusses, the space features newly added windows and skylights, which bring in daylight and brighten up the formerly dark space.
White-oak furnishings complement the dark-stained cedar interior wallsInterior walls are clad in dark-stained cedar that mimics the appearance of charred wood. Wall pegs offer a clever spot for hanging coats and potted plants.
Seating options include booths and long, communal tables, along with counter tables in the bar area.
Woven chandeliers created by the architects with León León Design are suspended above the tablesThe white-oak dining furniture, along with other decor, was custom designed and fabricated for the space. Woven chandeliers were created by the architects in collaboration with Mexico City’s León León Design.
Beyond the main dining hall, there is a kitchen, an outdoor beer garden, and a smoker yard for the preparation of meat. A portion of the building has a second level, which holds mechanical equipment.
The studio preserved the church’s exposed wooden detailsOverall, the adaptive reuse project has provided a welcoming space for diners while also preserving the community sprit of the church building, the team said.
“Today’s Loro restaurant serve as a space for neighbourhood gatherings and community connection,” said Hsu.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is based in Austin and has an outpost in Houston. Other projects by the studio include the conversion of a former Manhattan printing house into Shake Shack’s headquarters, and a Miami sushi restaurant that embodies the “perfect contrast” between the materials, techniques and styles of Japan and Florida.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
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Masonry bricks are tied together to form a curved entryway at this sushi restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighbourhood, by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.
At Uchi Miami, the American firm aimed to create a “perfect contrast” between the materials, techniques and styles of Japan and Florida.
Uchi Miami in Wynwood is fronted by a white structure wrapped in slats”Uchi tells a story of tactility, honoring Japanese tradition, but has been infused with local notes,” said Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.
“Wrapping, layering and stitching, inspired by native art forms, apply sophisticated design to simple objects to elevate ordinary materials found in daily life.”
A wall of woven bricks by Vas Bets greets guests upon entryFlanked by troughs filled with tropical plants, the entrance is surrounded by a pure white frame wrapped with vertical slats.
Once through the glass doors, guests are guided around to the host stand by a curved wall of concrete blocks created by locally based artist Vas Bets.
A chalk mural by Sam Angus Jackson is found above the sushi barThe blocks are tied together with rope, which weaves through their holes in a repeated pattern that is reflected in the polished floor.
In the main dining area, a mix of banquettes, bar seating and high-top tables offers a variety of configurations for parties of different sizes.
Warbach’s woven light fixtures create patterns across the ceilingThe wooden banquettes feature curved woven back panels and grey upholstered cushions – in a bouclé fabric for the backs and leather for the seats.
Walnut table tops and ash chairs match panelling on the walls and ceiling, while other surfaces are lined with bright red and orange wallpaper.
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Other artist collaborations within the restaurant include a hand-drawn chalk mural of jellyfish by artist Sam Angus Jackson, found above the sushi bar.
Hand-woven wall hangings by Miami artist Elan Byrd decorate the series of private dining areas, which run along one end of the restaurant behind black-framed glass panels.
Bright red wallpaper offers a contrast to the natural materialsPositioned over the bars and dining tables, lighting studio Warbach’s bespoke fixtures continue the woven motif.
“The overhead large, custom basket light provides a warm glow to illuminate the wall’s shapes and textile-inspired characteristics,” said Michael Hsu’s team.
The studio aimed to blend a variety of textures and materials throughout the restaurantMichael Hsu Office of Architecture has previously completed a restaurant with a curved wooden ceiling in its home city of Austin, Texas.
The studio has also designed a remote home in Texas Hill Country and the interiors for Shake Shack’s headquarters in New York City.
The photography is by Chase Daniel.
Project credits:
Owner: Hai HospitalityArchitect of record: Form Group ArchitectureGeneral contractor: City Construction GroupProject management: Amicon ManagementKitchen consultant: Trimark USAMEP: RPJ EngineeringLandscape designer: Plant the Future
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