Mathis Residence
Dripping Springs, Texas

Perched on top of a bluff, surrounded by cedar trees, the arching, semi circular shape of this structure affords every room in it a panoramic view of Onion Creek. Beyond the creek, spreads a meadow where horses roam.

The shape of the plan was dictated by how it sat on the site.

From the access road, the “public” side, the structure disappears into the earth making the house inconspicuous and quiet.

From the other side of the creek, the “private” side, the house stands elegantly commanding and dominating all that surrounds it.

Outdoor porches cantilever and project out of the Upper Floor to serve as an extension of the inside space and provide shading for the bottom floor from the harsh, late afternoon sun.

The Lower Floor is partially earth sheltered and accommodates the Bedrooms and private areas of the house. An Elevator connects private and public spaces.

The roof is framed with curving steel trusses providing broad overhangs, sheltering the house with deep shade most of the day. Under the trusses, tongue and groove redwood siding extends into the outside to better connect inside and outside spaces. The walls and floors are of exposed concrete creating a cooling thermal anchor and providing the warmth of yet another material in the “raw”.