El Naranjal, Austin, Texas


George strove to include all his students in the project, no matter their level of physical ability or skill.


Eugene George working on construction at Naranjal
Student working on construction at Naranjal
Student working on construction at Naranjal
Eugene George working on construction at Naranjal
Students involved in construction at Naranjal
Student working on construction at Naranjal
Naranjal: Concrete pour (vault) [frame 8217]

Construction on El Naranjal, George’s property at 207 East 44th Street in Austin, began in 1982, with foundations that, George noted, were largely excavated by hand.

Throughout the process of construction, George involved architecture and architectural engineering students, hoping to give them a solid understanding of the principles and techniques of construction.

Each student was paid and worked flexible hours to accommodate his or her classwork.

In an interview in 2010, George noted that he strove to include everyone in the project, no matter their level of physical ability or skill. Students who were not able to climb ladders, pour cement, and set concrete blocks were employed on other tasks, such as building the citarilla wall that surrounds the property.


The architectural forms and siting of the house were the result of George’s years of familiarity with the vernacular building traditions of the Southwest.


Structure constructed by Eugene George's students at Naranjal
Structure constructed by Eugene George's students at Naranjal

With its thick walls and orientations to prevailing winds and shade, the house was designed to be as cool as possible in the hot Austin climate, without the use of air conditioning. George also designed the house using harmonic proportions, another long-standing interest of his career. All of the proportions of the house were derived from a ten-foot cube.