KPF Completes Waterline, Texas' Tallest Skyscraper in Austin
The 1,025-foot mixed-use tower features a unique slope inspired by cowboy boot aesthetics.
1Project Transition and Completion
KPF has officially completed Waterline, a 1,025-foot supertall skyscraper in Austin, Texas. The project originally began under WeWork and architecture studio BIG but shifted to KPF following WeWork's 2019 failed IPO and governance scandals. The development team successfully pivoted the design to maintain a mixed-use program despite the significant leadership transition.
2Architectural Form and Inspiration
The building features a distinctive silhouette that slopes away from Lady Bird Lake, which designers describe as resembling a cowboy boot. KPF president James von Klemperer noted that this geometry allows the vertical structure to function as a piece of landscape. The design intentionally avoids blocking urban view corridors common in dense cities.
3Mixed-Use Programmatic Strategy
Waterline integrates diverse functions, placing hotel and office spaces at the base with luxury residences at the top. This mixed-use approach was intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the downtown core remained viable. The building aims to restore faith in urban development by creating shared spaces that weave together various public functions.
4Structural Engineering and Facade
The facade utilizes a wide-grid system with rust-colored details to reflect Texas geology. Structural design director Andrew Klare explained that V-shaped columns were employed to manage floorplate misalignments between office and residential grids. These columns provide structural support while creating an amphitheater-like effect at the ground level, enhancing the building's overall urban drama.
5Community and Landscape Integration
Collaborating with landscape architects TBG Partners, the studio designed the podium to be porous, featuring a stone-lined paseo connecting the city to the water. The structure steps up from the creek, ensuring the historic Rainey District is not overwhelmed. This approach prioritizes a connection to the waterway rather than imposing a monolithic presence.
6Design Philosophy and Whimsy
The building's tilted top and facade shifts serve as subtle nods to Austin’s local slogan, Keep Austin Weird. These geometric choices are intended to destabilize the conventional grid of the urban skyline. By incorporating lacy patterns and depth, the architects aimed to create a beautiful, supple facade that remains accessible to the community.
7Development and Stakeholder Collaboration
The project was developed by Lincoln Property Company and Kairoi Residential, with HKS Architects serving as the architect of record. Interior design duties were split among Michael Hsu, Studio Mai, and Ink Oro. DPR Construction acted as the general contractor, while Brockett Davis Drake provided structural engineering services to realize the complex design.
8Impact on Urban Density
By consolidating density into a single tower instead of multiple structures, KPF achieved a more cohesive urban footprint. This strategy successfully balances high-density requirements with the need for public-facing amenity spaces. The completion of Waterline marks a significant shift in Austin's skyline, demonstrating how tall buildings can contribute positively to local urban agendas.