Perched high above the Colorado River and anchored into a steep hillside, the Far View residence captures the homeowner’s dream. From the moment they discovered this pie shaped lot pinned between the trees they desired to live at this intersection between the land and sky. The panoramic view immerses you in the trees with the clouds and the birds while the river flows to the horizon below.
As avid deep sea divers the owners sought a unique experience. A world that both surrounds you in nature but also, allows you to escape. The curving plan was sculpted to embrace the slope, mirror the river below, and float along the site’s edge.
The dramatic entry procession unfolds to reveal distant river views, winding through the Hill Country. Sweeping stucco walls stagger and overlap to create discrete openings which allow diffused light into the gallery. Subtle variations in texture and color of stucco, stone and wood offer a refined museum quality to showcase the owner’s passion for sea life and talent for underwater photography.
Every effort was made to avoid distracting from the views and the photography. The pragmatic needs of every home were carefully planned and concealed. For example, the kitchen appliances are screened behind movable panels conveniently located in the center of the great room. The televisions are recessed into the walls to resemble the gallery’s art installations.
More personal spaces stretch along the hillside to the west. The arrangement creates privacy while offering more distinct framed views to the hill country or the home’s unique shape.
The gallery that connects these two worlds creates a showpiece for the owner’s passion - underwater photography. Custom built light boxes are recessed into the walls with duratrans images mounted to the surface. The journey to the master bedroom is an ocean adventure.
