Waterline: A Bold New Horizon for Austin's Skyline

From Vision to Reality: The Waterline's Design Journey

The renowned New York-based architecture firm KPF has successfully concluded the construction of the Waterline tower in Austin, Texas. This impressive supertall skyscraper is a testament to mixed-use development, featuring a distinctive profile that gently slopes away from Lady Bird Lake as it extends skyward. Its designers have affectionately likened its form to a 'cowboy boot,' a nod to its Texan roots.

KPF's Unexpected Role in a Landmark Project

Interestingly, KPF, globally recognized for its monumental skyscraper projects, was not the initial design team for the Waterline. The project's genesis lay with WeWork, the co-working real estate giant, which had previously chosen a design by BIG through a competitive process. However, following WeWork's significant financial setbacks in 2019 and subsequent governance issues, KPF stepped in to steer the already-started construction to completion.

The Enduring Vision of a 'We-Building' Concept

KPF president James von Klemperer emphasized that the core philosophy of a 'we-building' — a mixed-use structure with interconnected functions — remained central to the project's identity, even after KPF took over from the new development team. Von Klemperer articulated that modern spaces are less about exclusivity and more about integration, seamlessly blending various elements and shared areas, particularly at the building's base and rooftop.

Harmonizing with Nature and Heritage: A Thoughtful Approach

The 1,025-foot (312-meter) tall edifice artfully blends hotel and office spaces at its lower levels with luxurious residential units crowning its peak. The exterior showcases double-height floorplates, accentuated by grand columns, signifying shifts in function. The entire structure subtly inclines upwards, moving away from Lady Bird Lake, a significant stretch of the Colorado River in Austin. A key objective for the project was to respectfully acknowledge the waterway and incorporate regional heritage, while carefully avoiding overwhelming the historical Rainey District located southeast of the site. Initially planned as multiple towers, the decision to consolidate the density into a single, cohesive tower was made to better achieve these goals.

Architectural Metaphors and Urban Narratives

Von Klemperer remarked on the building's organic integration into its environment, likening its upward slope from the lake to a 'cowboy boot,' creating a powerful visual that fuses vertical architecture with natural topography. He also contrasted the Waterline's permeable, wide-grid facade, adorned with rust-colored elements echoing Texas's geology, against the monolithic black-glass skyscrapers prevalent in other urban centers like New York, which often obstruct city views. He described the Waterline's facade as 'lacy,' offering depth and visual intrigue rather than a solid barrier, reflecting a commitment to a 'beautiful little piece of waterway facade.'

Fostering Community and Urban Vitality

In collaboration with landscape architecture firm TPG Partners, the base of the Waterline features a stepped podium that rises from the creek, with imposing columns meeting the ground level. These columns evoke an amphitheater-like quality, contributing to an 'urban drama' that von Klemperer believes enriches city life. A central paseo cuts through the stepped podium, connecting the city to the water and enhancing the permeability of the lower retail and parking areas. The podium's upper levels house amenity spaces for the 1 Hotel, which occupies the middle sections of the tower.

Innovative Structural Solutions and Local Charm

The design of the columns at the base and transitional points was inspired by local oak trees. The inclusion of V-shaped columns not only reinforces this natural aesthetic but also provides crucial structural support, facilitating the seamless transition between the office and residential floorplates. KPF design director Andrew Klare noted that these 'misalignments along the perimeter were actually beneficial for getting a better column placement in the residential above.'

A Whimsical Crest and Urban Resilience

The skyscraper culminates in a sky lounge, with the bulkhead featuring a slight angle that mirrors the overall slope of the building. Von Klemperer suggested that both the dynamic shifts in the facade and the subtly tilted top are playful references to Austin's unofficial motto: 'Keep Austin Weird.' He described it as a 'bit of whimsy' that, without disrupting the skyline, challenges conventional architectural grids. The project's mixed-use program proved particularly pertinent during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that cast doubt on the viability of downtown urban centers. This context only deepened the studio's resolve to create an open, multi-functional building, maximizing the utility of its podium levels. Von Klemperer concluded that such a project 'restores your faith in the urban agenda of development' by creating a highly integrated and shared-use environment.