LaRue Architects have designed a residence in the Texas Hill Country that harmonizes contemporary architecture with the rugged beauty of its surroundings. In collaboration with Elev8 and Kelle Contine Interior Design, the home balances sleek, modern design with a strong connection to the natural environment.
A Home Shaped by the Landscape
Situated on a 0.75 acre site with a nearly 30 foot drop from the street to the rear, the home takes full advantage of the property’s topography. Rather than placing the structure at the highest point, the architects opted to integrate it into a natural shelf about six feet below street level. This approach increases privacy while allowing the home to nestle into the land, maximizing views of the Barton Creek Preserve. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the central living area serves as a frame for the surrounding landscape, drawing in natural light.
Materials Rooted in the Region
To ground the structure within its environment, LaRue Architects incorporated regional materials that reflect the home’s natural surroundings. The extended low roofline follows the terrain, preventing the structure from overwhelming the landscape while ensuring an uninterrupted relationship with the outdoors. Expansive glass panels further dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing for unobstructed views and an abundance of natural light.
Maximizing Space with a Thoughtful Layout
Though designed primarily as a single-story residence, the architects utilized the sloping site to incorporate additional living areas beneath the main level. This lower level includes two bedrooms with ensuite baths, a dry sauna, and an exercise room that opens onto a spacious terrace.
Discover more Impressive Projects from USA
The home’s orientation also plays a key role in its functionality, bedrooms on the rear side benefit from soft morning light, while the front of the house is designed to minimize exposure to the harsh afternoon sun.
A Cohesive Interior Palette
Inside, polished concrete floors create a clean foundation for the home’s light-filled spaces. Custom walnut millwork subtly defines different areas while preserving a continuous flow. The interior design incorporates warm whites, soft creams, and touches of rust, offering a sense of balance against cooler grays. Metallic accents in copper, brass, and chrome introduce layers of texture and refinement.
A Kitchen Designed for Function and Style
The kitchen was designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind, featuring walnut cabinetry, a custom blackened-steel vent hood, and an Ann Sacks Savoy tile backsplash. Created for a family passionate about cooking, the space is equipped with high-performance appliances.
A Thoughtfully Designed Casita
At the front of the property, LaRue Architects incorporated a 682 square foot casita, positioning it into the hillside to reduce its presence from the entry approach. It serves as both a guesthouse and a gatehouse, adding flexibility while maintaining the design’s cohesiveness. By subtly embedding it into the terrain, the architects ensured that it complements rather than competes with the main residence.
Architect: LaRue Architects
Builder: Elev8
Interior Design: Kelle Contine Interior Design
Materials Used: Exterior materials palette includes roughback Lueders limestone, a rugged and timeless foundation, anchoring the structure within its Hill Country setting. Metal panels add a contemporary and low-maintenance aesthetic, offering durability and sleek visual contrast against the stone. Sapele wood siding and soffits introduce warmth and texture to the facade, reflecting the surrounding landscape. Stucco lends a smooth and versatile finish, while metal clad Sapele windows offer expansive views of the surrounding vistas.
