Triple Creek Ranch
Gillespie County has a distinct domestic and agrarian architecture seeded by enlightened German emigrants in the mid-19th century. Refined proportions and sophisticated millwork are regional hallmarks. An architectural time capsule was established when the 1850s stone cottage and root cellar were converted into a hay barn in the early 19th century. Research and documentation during restoration of the cottage guided the construction of a new compound built on the foundation of a regional architecture.
Project Credits
Location
Hill Country, Texas
Structural Engineer
Vordenbaum Engineering
Interior Design
Babs Watkins
Landscape Design
Sarah Lake
Lighting Consultant
Bos Lighting Design
General Contractor
Tony Martin
Ironwork
Cactus Max
Iron Hardware
Roy Bellows
Historic Roofing
Ben Weber
Photography
Piter Vitale, John M. Hall
At the new gravel motor court, a water trough directs the ascent to a large entry porch inspired by regional tractor sheds. Water spewing into a large basin creates a crescendo and anchors the pristine lawn at the heart of the compound.
The scale of the main living area dictated its location in the barn. The large stone structure, an architectural composite of 19th century regional barns, is positioned to shield the west sun, and open to the views and breezes from the south and east.
The three Sister Houses are based on stoic regional prototypes and individually expressive of the owner’s daughters.
A year was spent on cottage stabilization and research establishing an improbable pedigree. The influence of a refined German neoclassicism at the time of construction became apparent and the structure was treated like a fine antique.
