CLEAR ROCK RANCH

2017 AIA Austin Design Award Winner

Clear Rock Lookout is a raw steel hunting blind, writing studio, and observation deck that celebrates the stunning landscape and wildlife views. The 450sf building is nestled below a limestone cliff edge, and has to be “discovered” when approached from the top of the mesa. This gradual reveal of the building strengthens the unfolding landscape panorama made possible from the unique vantage provided by the structure.

The site was specifically chosen for its views by the owner after years of slowly traversing and mapping the wooded cliff edge. The modern form contrasts with the Hill Country vernacular used on the rest of the 1,000 acre West Texas ranch. Naturally weathering steel was chosen to age with the surroundings and to pay homage to the owner’s youth spent welding oil tanks.

Large sheets of glass, a variety of warm woods, and a highly detailed assembly complete the “jewelbox in the landscape” expression of the lookout.

Contractor: Ron Reue Construction

Steel Fabrication: Longhorn Welding

Structural Engineers: Arch Consulting Engineers

Photo Credits: Casey Dunn

Publications: Dezeen

CARL'S WAY RESIDENCE

The Carl's Way Residence is an undulating, zero energy home nestled into a gently sloping grassy site on Martha’s Vineyard. The house consists of 3 separate living structures and a detached garage. The volumes are attached by a large deck and dynamically sloping standing seam metal roofs.

The house is super insulated, with a full 3” wrapper of rigid insulation around all walls, roofs and foundations. All the insulation allows the house to use a much more efficient heating and cooling system.

The windows are high performance triple pane European units to make sure the entire envelope performs as well as the highly insulated walls. Lighting is primarily LED to conserve energy. The HVAC system is made up entirely of highly efficient Mitsubishi Mini Split heat pumps to serve both heating and cooling. The project is all electric. To balance this high electric demand, enough high efficiency solar panels are installed out of sight on the garage to completely supply all the power needs of the home.

Ryan was the project manager and design lead for the Carl's Way Residence while working at Maryann Thompson Architects in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Photo Credits: Stephanie Lemmo & Jeremy Bitterman