Ranch House    |    Columbia Bottomland, Southwest of Houston, Texas

Located on an 800-acre ranch in the Columbia Bottomland, the Ranch House is positioned along a bayou to take in the views of the surrounding landscape. The clients wanted a retreat for their family and wished to incorporate modern and traditional design elements to reflect a blend of their personal taste. This included salvaged natural and painted shiplap, doors and hand-hewn timbers from various demolished houses in the area. The house is raised up off the ground to protect against flooding and to maximize views.

To promote sustainability, the design of the house incorporates many passive solar shading strategies to reduce the need for air-conditioning and reduce energy consumption. The house is orientated to promote the use of indirect day lighting and to take advantage of Southeasterly breezes off the coast during the summer months. The screened covered decks accommodate sleeping porches, once a common feature on Gulf Coast homes. When air-conditioning is required, the cooling system utilizes ground based geothermal, which is quiet to operate, reinforcing the peaceful setting. Interior floors are made from Texas Pecan as homage to the large pecan orchard on the property.

• SALVAGED SHIPLAP, DOORS, TIMBERS
• PASSIVE SHADING
• GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING