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We have a secret for you—curb appeal isn’t everything. A bold new take on home design is proving that the most beautiful homes are those that seem to disappear, creating a private oasis that’s completely hidden from the outside world. Architect Scott Specht, AIA, founder of Specht Novak, designed his Austin home in a way that rejects contemporary minimalist trends. Instead of expansive exterior windows, the residence features a unique inward-facing design. A simple Clopay garage door completes the look, blending with the home's unassuming façade.
Tucked away on a gravel alley behind a row of traditional homes in downtown Austin, you'll have to look hard to find Stealth House. A windowless exterior and muted tones allow it to blend into the urban environment. The low-slung, 1,100-square-foot residence is clad in weathering steel that develops a beautiful rust-colored protective patina. For a bit of pop, a panel of custom green glass mosaic tile is flanked by a black entryway door and a Clopay Modern Steel™ Garage Door with flush panels in a Lustra finish. The materials were carefully chosen to emphasize privacy and minimize visual impact.
Historically-Inspired Modern Living
Instead of exterior windows, Scott used floor-to-ceiling, frameless windows in the home’s interior, creating views of two courtyards, one with a vibrant olive tree and native grasses, and the other a lush bamboo aviary.
"This design is a return to how humans have lived for most of history,” said Scott. “Houses weren't always in wide-open spaces; that hasn't worked for a long time, especially in suburbs where homes are crammed together. These more traditional forms allow you to step through your front door into your own secluded world."
While most contemporary homes are built around the kitchen, this unique design places a welcoming, sun-drenched courtyard at its very heart. It's a modern take on an ancient idea, drawing inspiration from historic homes that were designed to prioritize privacy, security, fresh air, and natural light. The result is a welcoming retreat that feels like your own private world—a sanctuary that lets you decide when and how you engage with the world outside.
As Scott puts it, "My wife and I love living here. It’s comfortable and quiet - It’s really like an oasis.”
Design Elements Intentionally Curated for Resilience
Every element in this home was an intentional choice, proving that smart design can create a stunning home on a modest budget. The Clopay Modern Steel Garage Door is a perfect example of this philosophy.
"Few companies make a garage door with a plain steel panel and no ornamentation at a reasonable price," Scott explains. “The Clopay Modern Steel Door was exactly what I was looking for. It’s durable, has a consistent color tone, and it simply looks like what it is—a design that works well and won’t warp in the sun.”
This purposeful simplicity was key to the home’s outward appearance. Because the garage door is a prominent feature on the house, Scott says, “We made sure it matched the front door perfectly. A flush piece of steel on the other side of the green tiled wall completes the look, and the two work together seamlessly.”
Throughout the home, you’ll find practical choices, including a rooftop photovoltaic array, a high-efficiency air-conditioning system, zero-maintenance cladding, and even plants that do not require irrigation.
Ultimately, the Stealth House is more than just a home; it's a new way of urban living. This design proves that you don't have to sacrifice peace for the hustle and bustle. By quietly blending into its surroundings, the home creates an unexpectedly serene space where families can connect and thrive. Every element—from the simple, honest materials to the intentional layout—is a testament to an alluring philosophy: that wellness, sustainability, and privacy can create a home that truly stands the test of time.
Growing Accolades
The innovative Stealth House is turning heads. Specht Novak's creative vision for the project has earned numerous honors, including a prestigious Honor Award from the Residential Design Architecture Awards, and accolades from the AIA and the Texas Society of Architects. The project has also been featured in popular magazines and podcasts, cementing its place as a truly groundbreaking design.
Want to see the Stealth House in person?
You can! As a proud sponsor of this year's AIA Austin Homes Tour, Clopay Corporation invites you to a self-guided tour of this award-winning home on October 25–26. You can also meet with Clopay product representatives John Polchin and Steven Zavala, and explore a curated selection of other homes by Austin's top architects.
