Osage Residence: Canyon Lake, Texas

The retaining wall of two-by-five-foot limestone blocks defines the top edge of buildable area, where its proximity to the structure provides residents an immediate, experiential relationship with the texture of the stone as an extension of the site. A tightly choreographed entry sequence essentially guides visitors through the site and down the hill in three distinct planes: from street to house, and from house to patio and pool. Views of the Guadalupe River canyon and the dam at Canyon Lake below appear at intervals through groupings of oak trees, creating unique moments along the way and providing intentional moments of connection to the site.

Originally conceived as two cabin volumes connected by a screened porch/dog trot, the design evolved to enclose the central volume but retain the spatial quality and strong connection to the outdoors of the original intent. The protected patio off the back of the house in the narrow sub-grade space between the building and the retaining wall, is tucked into the site and completely protected from the activity at street level above and acts as a threshold between the public and private realms. In another nod to Texas vernacular, a shed roof captures prevailing breezes from the South to ventilate the home and parallels the site’s sloping topography.

To temper noise in the concrete, steel and glass space, the architects employed pegboard as a ceiling treatment, allowing the insulation underneath to capture high frequency sound and absorb echoes. Floor-to-ceiling windows are partially frosted to direct views upwards into the treetops and clouds and to provide privacy without compromising access to natural light.

Swiedom collaborated on elements in the interior, selecting and installing fixtures and details that personalize the spaces. Partial to simplicity and clean lines, he chose particular moments to create accents to complement the minimalist design. In the kitchen, the bold tile he selected (and installed) for the backsplash creates a dynamic mural effect along the wall. A neon sign along the adjacent living room wall creates a similar focal point that illuminates interiors in the evenings and is visible from the outdoor spaces as a kind of beacon. The fully prefabricated pool – a pivot necessitated by COVID related supply chain issues and gunite shortages – was trucked in from Dallas and dropped into place on the site by crane.

The intimate patio and pool together offer sweeping views and generous outdoor space, expanding the usable space for the home, making it feel larger creating more experiential variety than its modest footprint would suggest.