River Ranch
RIVER RANCH
Jobe Corral Architects
ARCHITECTS
Jobe Corral Architects
LIGHTING DESIGN
Studio Lumina, Christina Brown
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Tak S, Chu, Leap! Structures
ENERGY CONSULTANT
Positive Energy, Kristof Irwin
CONTRACTOR
Pilgrim Building Company, Branson Fustes
MANUFACTURERS
AutoDesk, Arcon Glas, Badeloft, Boffi, Ferguson, Signature Hardware, Vent-a-Hood, Adobe, Ashley Norton, Drophouse Design, Enabler, Envornimental Survey Consulting, Flitch, Trimble, Wolf
POOL
Hample Pools, Carl Hample
DESIGN TEAM
Sarah Hafley, Chris Minor
LEAD ARCHITECT
Ada Corral, Camille Jobe
LANDSCAPE
Environmental Energy Consulting, David Mahler
AUDIO / VISUAL
Abel Rodriguez, ALP Design Solutions
PHOTOGRAPHS
Casey Dunn, Casey Woods
LOCATION
Blanco, United States
AREA
3592 ft²
CATEGORY
Houses
YEAR
2018
Driving elements • physical and visual connection to the land • Responds to the site: shelters from elements while opening to the view • Natural materials.
Rammed earth, vertical grain cedar, limestone • Rainwater catchment, and underground cistern serve the entire residence This residence, located in the Texas Hill Country, is about the connection to the land.
The team agreed from the first visit that the structure should be integrated into its surroundings, which is composed of beautiful oak trees, open views, and a slice of the Blanco River.
In this setting, it is essential to seek protection from the sun, the strong winds, and the flooding rains.
This need for the most basic form of shelter, plus the Owners’ love of the land, drove the concept and design of the River Ranch.
The River Ranch program is laid out in a courtyard plan, which is formed by the main house, the guest wing, and the pool.
The outer layer of the courtyard is made of 2’ thick rammed earth walls that appear to emerge from the land and form a protective shell for the interior of the building.
The color and texture of the rammed earth blend the walls to its surroundings while creating a strong anchor on the site.
Emulating the light-filtering quality of the trees, deep steel trellises and vertical wood screens provide another layer of protection by addressing the sun and supplying shade.
The thick walls and the shading elements allow for large expanses of glass that open towards the courtyard and river views.
The indoor/outdoor relationship is strengthened by specific moments that connect the user to the land, the trees, and the view.
The central courtyard houses an underground cistern that serves as the entire water supply for the residence.
Above ground, the courtyard includes limestone porches and terraces with all native plants, that serve as the transition from the building to the natural landscape. Whether inside or outside, the users are able to enjoy the land while shielded from the elements and feel a strong sense of place.
