Text from Jobe Corral Architects
This house in the Texas Hill Country is all about its deep connection to the land it rests on. Surrounded by beautiful oak trees, open vistas, and a nearby river, the house harmoniously blends in with its natural surroundings.
The owners’ love for the land and the need for basic shelter from the sun, wind, and rain drove the concept and design of the River Ranch.
The River Ranch is laid out like a courtyard, with the main house, guest wing, and pool forming the core. Surrounding this central space are sturdy 2-foot-thick rammed earth walls. These walls seem to rise from the ground, creating a protective shell around the building.
The color and texture of the rammed earth make the walls look like a natural part of the landscape, grounding the structure in its surroundings. To mimic the way light filters through the trees, there are deep steel trellises and vertical wood screens that provide shade and protection from the sun.
These elements allow for large glass windows that provide views of the courtyard and the river. The design creates a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing the users closer to the land, the trees, and the scenic views.
In the central courtyard, there’s an underground cistern that supplies all the water for the residence. Above ground, limestone porches and terraces are filled with native plants, creating a transition between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Whether inside or outside, the owners can enjoy the landscape while being shielded from the elements, creating a strong sense of belonging and connection to the environment.
