River Road House

Project Name

River Road House

Square Footage:

6,613

Location:

Brazos County, Texas

Category:

About This Project

The Arkitex Studio team created this contemporary Texas Hill Country styled house sited in a natural open space on very wooded property near the Brazos River. The existing topography and proximity of major trees limited placement of the house in the clearing, resulting in the rear west orientation. The deep porches and an additional sun trellis with adjustable sunshades protect the rear of the house from the afternoon sun exposure. The steeply sloping building site drops more than 10’ from front to back under the house footprint alone and continues downward beyond the house for a terraced pool and patio setting before opening into an open meadow.

Visitors approaching the house from the road follow a winding path through the trees, breaking out in close proximity to the front façade and dominant entry porch. While you cannot see the house from any distance on approach, there is an obvious balanced massing, a simplicity of form, and a richness of materials in the design.

The plan layout responds to the Owners’ need for large group entertaining, with flexibility of use both inside and outside, while maintaining an intimate feel for the family. The open interior plan flows comfortably out into the exterior living spaces creating a strong “indoor-outdoor” connection. The large great room is actually two living areas divided by back to back stone fireplaces which create a dramatic stone mass that tapers upward to the high ceiling with its timber trusses. Extensive interior stone finishes and large arched openings add texture to the house interior, contrasting with smooth wall and floor finishes. The upper level of the partial two-story plan has a single suite consisting of a bedroom with attached tv/sitting area and a private balcony overlooking the pool below and long views out over the property to the rear of the house. A separate casita with a private view orientation is linked to the main house by a carport and covered walkways.

The most visually impressive features of the design are its integration into the natural site setting and the large open interior living spaces that flow out into the outdoor living spaces and into the landscape beyond. It is both a private “sanctuary” for the family and a flexible space for entertaining.

Photography by Larry Field