River Ranch, designed by Jobe Corral Architects, is a beautiful testament to sustainable design practices and a celebration of the connection between architecture and nature. This remarkable residence, nestled in Blanco, Texas, harmoniously blends contemporary aesthetics with an ancient building technique—rammed-earth walls—to create a truly site-specific design.
With a focus on environmental friendliness, Jobe Corral Architects incorporated various elements such as a rainwater capture system and decomposed gravel, a locally sourced material, to ensure energy efficiency and a consistent interior temperature in the scorching Hill Country climate. The result is a 3,592-square-foot retreat that seamlessly merges with its 150-acre site.
The architecture of River Ranch is defined by its protective C-shaped plan, enveloped by two-foot thick rammed-earth walls that seemingly emerge from the land itself. These walls serve as a shield against the elements while integrating the structure harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Steel trellises, wood screens, and generous overhangs further enhance the building’s protection, filtering light and reducing glare.
Inside, expansive glass walls and clerestory windows provide breathtaking views of the desert surroundings, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. The central courtyard, flanked by the main house, guest wing, and pool, features an underground cistern serving the residence’s entire water supply. Limestone porches and terraces adorned with native plants gracefully bridge the gap between the building and the natural landscape.
River Ranch epitomizes the beauty of simplicity and the power of thoughtful design by prioritizing the most basic form of shelter and a deep reverence for the land. Jobe Corral Architects’ innovative approach has earned them recognition, with the project being selected as a winner in the 2023 Interior Architecture Awards by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
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