Three Barns Farm (Project)

We are currently designing a country house for a family of four on a 200-acre farm in the Texas Hill Country. The main house functions -- children's sleeping area, parent's sleeping area, and communal eating/living area --- are divided into separate "barn" buildings that are connected by subsidiary spaces -- an entry hall and a study/library. Set in a meadow, the compound of buildings creates an intimate courtyard space for family gatherings that is sheltered from the occasional wind channeled by the valley in which the farm lies. Covered porches abound. Every room has one. The Master Bedroom has a sleeping porch for use on cool nights. The owner calls it "glamping." An allee of trees creates an axial view that focuses on the "Silo," which houses an office, game room, and a lookout roof deck. The house encourages outdoor living and opens up every room to the landscape and views across the meadow to the surrounding hills.

Three Barns Farm

This is Ricky, a Longhorn bull. He is the size of a rhinoceros, but very gentle and curious. He will look you in the eye as a cat does when trying to communicate. He is an old soul. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara

Three Barns Farm

This panoramic photo was taken on the house site, on a meadow of native Texas grasses surrounded by low hills blanketed with Juniper and Oaks. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara

Three Barns Farm

The meadow rests in a shallow valley. The surrounding hills funnel the prevailing winds, creating windy days. This and the open meadow site led us to design the house as a compound of buildings that create an outdoor space sheltered from the wind as well as distinct views from each wing of the house.