Austin, TX — Ever wonder what it’s like inside some of Austin’s most unique homes, from cutting-edge sustainable designs to creative backyard retreats? This month, you can find out.
Sterling Cooper Residence. Photo by{ }Rob Gomez. AIA 2025.
The 39th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour returns October 25–26, offering the public a rare chance to explore ten architect-designed homes across the city, including the Stealth House, a hidden architectural gem in South Austin that’s redefining what small, sustainable living can look like.
“It’s one of the most unique tours we’ve ever had,” said Ingrid Spencer, Executive Director of AIA Austin. “Of the ten homes this year, at least four belong to the architect or builder. So you’re not just seeing inside beautiful homes, you’re stepping into the creative vision of the people who designed them.”
The Stealth House. Photo courtesy: Specht Novak
This year’s lineup spans everything from a tiny 1,100-square-foot ADU to a sprawling 4,800-square-foot Cat Mountain home with a 12-car garage. But one of the standouts is the Stealth House, designed by architect Scott Specht of Specht Novak. Tucked behind a gravel alley near South Congress, the rust-colored, windowless exterior hides a light-filled sanctuary that’s powered by solar panels, cooled by geothermal energy, and surrounded by two lush interior courtyards.
Key Features of the Stealth House
The Stealth House. Photo courtesy: Specht Novak
Size: 1,100 square feet: Designed to maximize every inch of space
Type: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) located behind a main home near South Congress
Architect: Scott Specht, Specht Novak Architecture
Exterior: Rust-colored Cor-Ten steel cladding: Durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant
The Stealth House. Photo courtesy: Specht Novak
Windows: No street-facing windows: Instead, two interior courtyards bring in natural light and air
Layout: Open-concept design with floor-to-ceiling glass and mirrors to create a sense of space and privacy
Energy Efficiency: Solar panels with battery backup: 98% energy self-sufficient, High-efficiency VRF HVAC system, LED lighting and Energy Star appliances throughout
Construction: Built with ultra-efficient materials and double-sealed insulation to minimize drafts
Stealth House.{ }Photo by Rob Gomez. AIA 2025.
Acoustics: Thick steel and window placement provide natural sound insulation: “an oasis in the city”
Occupants: Designed and lived in by Scott Specht and his wife, Shiraz
Design Ethos: Built around privacy, sustainability, and simplicity: proving small spaces can feel expansive
Recognition: Sustainability standout of the 2025 AIA Austin Homes Tour
The Stealth House. Photo courtesy: Specht Novak
The home’s efficient layout and sustainable features have made it a model for modern, eco-friendly design in dense urban spaces, one that Specht hopes will inspire others to rethink how sustainability and privacy can coexist.
Spencer says that kind of creativity is what keeps people coming back year after year. She tells us this tour is for anyone, for people who love residential architecture and want inspiration for their own homes. She adds that it’s a chance to imagine what’s possible.
Visitors can take a self-guided two-day tour, choosing their own route among ten homes spread throughout Austin. Along the way, they’ll see trends shaping local design, including ADUs, home offices, multi-generational living, and sustainability features like solar power and shaded outdoor spaces.
Spencer, who has been with AIA Austin for more than a decade, says the event always sparks great conversations.
“You’ll see everything from a tiny home to a house with incredible gardens and outdoor rooms,” she said. “There’s really something for everyone and I think the dinner conversations people have after seeing these homes will be really fun.”
Casa Colibri Residence.{ }Photo by Rob Gomez. AIA 2025.
At a Glance
What: 39th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour
When: October 25–26, 2025
Where: 10 homes across Austin, including the sustainable Stealth House
Tickets: Single Home Tickets: $15 | General Admission: $50 | VIP: $125 VIP Proceeds support AIA Austin’s year-round educational programs and community design initiatives.
More Info: aiaaustin.org
Travis Heights Residence.{ }Photo by Rob Gomez. AIA 2025.