Shingle-like panels manufactured from weathering metal clad the pyramidal varieties on the River Bend Residence, a mission designed by Texan studio Lake Flato Architects to “sit evenly upon the land”.
Positioned in a area often known as Texas Hill Nation, the home is within the metropolis of New Braunfels, simply north of San Antonio. The realm is thought for its German heritage, cultural actions and two rivers.
Respecting the pure setting was a guiding concern for the design staff, as the house sits on a wooded perch overlooking the Guadalupe River.
“River Bend Residence is a tranquil house designed to take a seat evenly upon the land, minimising disruption to the positioning and present timber,” stated Lake Flato Architects, which has workplaces in San Antonio and Austin.
The staff designed the home for a retired couple who’re obsessed with journey and documenting their experiences. After years of residing in a bigger household residence, the purchasers desired a house with an environment friendly use of house and “right-sized for his or her present life-style”.
“The mission was designed to supply stunning areas to accommodate their each day routine, with deliberately small storage capability, as they’re downsizing,” the staff stated.
The staff conceived a important dwelling with two indifferent buildings, all of that are loosely organised round a central backyard.
The buildings are topped with tall, pyramidal hipped roofs. Inside, the ceiling peak rises to 26 toes (eight metres).
Exterior partitions and roofs are clad in panels manufactured from Corten metal — a cloth chosen for its “sturdy qualities and minimal upkeep”, the staff stated.
The inside options a mixture of heat woods – together with Douglas fir, walnut and white oak – together with finishes corresponding to plaster and concrete.
The primary dwelling consists of two volumes – one sq., one rectangular – which might be linked by a glazed breezeway. One quantity accommodates a bed room suite, whereas the opposite holds a kitchen, eating space and lounge.
A portion of the dwelling is lifted above the positioning by concrete piers.
“The 2 major constructions are situated on a comparatively steep slope and are primarily supported by piers to minimise excavation,” the staff stated.
“Solely the again third of the buildings on the sloping portion of the positioning sit on grade, and these areas had been rigorously situated to minimise the variety of timber that wanted to be eliminated in development.”
The indifferent buildings – which sit atop concrete foundations – home a carport and an artwork studio, the latter of which doubles as visitor quarters.
Like the principle dwelling, the accent buildings had been rigorously sited to cut back harm to the positioning.
“Solely six timber had been eliminated to construct all 4 constructions, minimising the impression on the ample wildlife habitat,” the staff stated.
The house is oriented to reap the benefits of prevailing winds and encourage pure air flow. Giant skylights on the tip of every roof seize daylight.
“Skylights present balanced daylight, permitting for a decrease quantity of glazing on the outside partitions,” stated Lake Flato.
The panorama options indigenous vegetation and was saved deliberately minimal, with the intention to cut back upkeep and to additional heed the encompassing atmosphere.
Different initiatives by Lake Flato Architects embody a lodge full of artwork and “hippie textiles” that’s meant to emulate a Texas lake home and a 3D-printed, ranch-style house that was displayed at Austin’s SXSW competition and in-built collaboration with development know-how outfit ICON.
The pictures is by Casey Dunn.