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

Images: