Normita Casita

Story:
She’s the youngest daughter in the family, small in stature, but big on style and needs a private refuge on the family ranch — with a view! She called with specific criteria. I have a modified stock plan and need my cottage refined and built before year end. After the first visit, we tossed the stock plan and designed a stylish and perky Normita Casita in two months — personalized for daddy’s little girl!
Location:
Blanco, Texas (Designed 2009; Built 2010)
Idea:
3-tiers for living
Personalized new home!
Stats:
1,645 SF; 1BR, 2 BA, loft 195 SF deck, 2-story
Client’s Style:
hill country cottage
Services:
The Sketch, The Details, The Docs, The Advisor, The Agent
Lifestyle Features:
- large master with private dressing and shared bath
- screened patio to enjoy outside free from pests and give the cat a protected refuge
- large deck for outdoor living with long-range tree top and hill country view
- storm room under the deck to weather uncharacteristic hill country storms
- built-in bed alcove for mom’s private place
- all base cabinets for easy accessibility
- built-in beds in loft for guests to have their own space
- tree-house bunk for overflow guests and kids
Environment Solutions:
- oriented with side-entry to welcome visitors and capture seasonal breezes
- deep overhangs and screend porch positioned to provide shade and reduce heat gain
- low maintenance fiber cement siding for improved weatherability in a harsh climate
- large vinyl sliding and casement windows to allow air flow with low e2 glass to reduce heat gain
- reclaimed corrugated metal siding reused as ceiling material
- raw pine planks used for finish floor to create a rustic look and feel
- crushed gravel drive to match existing pathway and allow water infiltration
Community Influence:
- designed the home and deck on piers to perch on rough and steep terrain
- exposed rafters and a horizontal/vertical siding montage to symbolize the purposeful agrarian culture
- raw pine stud detailing and trim to combine hill country and modern design influences
- potpourri of linoleum tile squares in the bath to create pattern and portray heritage
- corbels, trim, rail and molding details to emulate hybrid cottage detailing
- ranch-style railings with thick newels and wire baluster to allow view through and a sense of protection from the drop-off