The clients for this project on Lake LBJ were looking to replace a 40-year-old existing structure with a more modern, low-maintenance family retreat. Because of its proximity to the water, the home was designed with durability as a high priority. As such, the exterior material palette of corrugated metal siding, local sandstone and stucco, aluminum-clad windows, and a standing-seam metal roof accomplishes this task while also giving the lakefront façade a complex, rich variety.

Structurally, two large steel girders compose the primary axis that runs lengthwise through the center of the home and cantilevers far from the walls of the house to provide protection above the entry stair and second-floor decks and windows. This steel also supports the secondary structure of exposed Douglas-fir joists, which warm the interior of the home and punctuate the exterior by forming the overhangs for the lakefront decks.

As a secondary-use lake house, the clients wanted their home to reflect their casual vacation lifestyle throughout. The guest bedrooms are built for function rather than size, with built-in “suitcase” shelves instead of full closets. The gathering spaces are generous and fluidly connected to the outdoors with a full-height, double sliding glass door that opens to the lakefront deck. Even the floor—salt finished concrete below and precast concrete pavers above—is designed for wet feet and easy cleaning. All these elements together create a visually beautiful and functionally thoughtful home, ideal for kicking up your bare feet and watching that famous Texas sunset.

This home was completed in 2010 by Kip Steele.