Location: Marble Falls, Texas

Completed: 2024

Design Team: Troy Miller, Philip Keil, Maanasa Nathan

Contractor: Classic Constructors

Structural: Statix Engineering

Interior Design: Ashby Collective

Photographer: Casey Dunn

Perched on a bluff that overlooks the Colorado River, this corten-clad cabin at the end of a long gravel road provides a retreat for a couple who escape the harsh winters of Montana in the milder climate of the hill country. After designing their ranch home a few miles up the road, the owners re-engaged the firm to envision a space that could capture the beautiful views from their property on the river. The rural site was once a homestead but all that remained was an old stone grill, a few outbuildings and rancher’s cedar post fence along the edge of the bluff.

When the team first walked the site, we all stood at the edge of the bluff looking down and over the river below and recognized the importance of capturing this view. This became a key element in the design which consists of two cabin-like structures separated by a covered breezeway, or “dogrun”. Upon approach the cabin seems unassuming with a pitched overhang shading a covered porch with two rocking chairs overlooking a meadow. Only from the breezeway, does one notice the expansive wall of glass along the rear façade that delivers stunning views of the river beyond. A covered porch off the back not only provides an additional outdoor space to perch above the river, but also helps shade the floor to ceiling steel windows ensuring occupant comfort during the summer months.

The kitchen, living and dining space sport wood siding, reminiscent of a camp cabin and exposed ceiling structure providing a warm interior feel to contrast the metal exterior. The rafters extends from interior to exterior drawing the eye towards the view out and encouraging interaction with the landscape. The other living spaces include a bedroom with an ensuite bath, an outhouse and an art studio with a view of an old twisted oak.

The owners wanted to restore the old stone grill on the property and a shade structure was included in the design to encourage cooking and eating around the grill. A fire pit further downhill from the cabins  provides an outlook along the path down to the river. The design while intent on capturing views, was also configured to facilitate large family gatherings and activate multiple parts of the property.

Recognition: