Long-time San Antonio residents, the clients bought 75 acres of farmland south of the city. Their intention was to raise their sons in a rural environment and live the country life, with horses, cows, and goats. For the new house they stipulated only two things: traditional forms and zero-maintenance exterior. We took inspiration from local farm and ranch buildings for the forms and used corrugated Galvalume steel for the maintenance-free siding. Windows are clear aluminum to match the siding. We used cedar for all exposed rafters, beams, and columns. All light fixtures are industrial or agricultural. We incorporated farm/ranch materials inside as well, with galvanized steel counter tops, rolling doors, and hose faucet handles as cabinet pulls. The ground floor of the house is scored and stained concrete. Insulation is Icynene spray foam.
The home is featured in the HGTV series Homes Across America.
Rocking P Ranch House
The glass walls of the living areas are surrounded by covered porches to keep out the Texas sun and provide outdoor living spaces. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The living room is surrounded by 8'-high windows with views in every direction. The sloped ceiling is composed of exposed OSB decking over 2x12 rafters. Scored and stained concrete floors. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
Their black lab Bo loves the water and has his own lap pool. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The screened porch is used extensively during the summer. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
Surrounded by glass, the owner's office allows her to keep an eye on her horses and enjoy the view while she works. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
View of children's bedrooms. The rolling barn doors protect during severe storms and add an agricultural design element to the overall composition. The 7-year-old uses his to keep monsters out at night. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The upstairs houses the sleeping porch (shown) and master bedroom suite. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The middle "mirror" is a window. The countertop and medicine cabinet are galvanized sheetmetal. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The shapes recall local farm buildings and cotton gins. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The oak stairs lead to the Master Suite. The railing is made from galvanized plumbing pipe and fittings. The floors are scored and stained concrete. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
The house is fronted by a large screened porch. It is as large as the living room, and used just as often. The truck is a 1952 Dodge. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara
Rocking P Ranch House
I made one of the photographs into a sepia-tone to show the timeless nature of the design and materials. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara