Inside the Award-Winning “Stealth House” in Austin, Texas

Architect Scott Specht and esthetician Shiraz Bakshai take us inside their remarkable “Stealth House” in downtown Austin, Texas.

The couple designed this revolutionary 1,100-square-foot home, famously known as the “Stealth House.” Scott, the architect and visionary behind the project and the founding partner of Specht Novak Architects, originally conceived it as a thought-provoking prototype to challenge conventional city living. When he acquired a fringe lot tucked behind a row of traditional homes, he decided to bring this bold concept to life. The result is a striking rust-colored steel façade with no exterior windows, blending seamlessly into its urban surroundings.

Inside, natural light floods the space through floor-to-ceiling windows facing lush interior courtyards, creating a serene oasis of greenery and openness. Despite its compact size, every inch of the home is meticulously curated, blending Scott’s architectural ingenuity with Shiraz’s refined aesthetic sense—she even operates her own esthetic studio right inside the house. Winner of four prestigious awards including the Texas Society of Architects and Architect Magazine honors, the Stealth House offers a stunning and unexpected perspective on modern city living.