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Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners
Rio Estancia,  | International Design Awards Winners

Rio Estancia

Lead DesignersCraig McMahon and Billy Johnson
Prize(s)Honorable Mention
Project LinkView
Entry Description

Program Info: 6,750 s.f.
Location: South Texas

A new home for a retired couple and their visiting extended families on a river fronted ranch in South Texas. The 350 acre property abounds the Guadalupe River located in the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. Taking clues from the panoramic vistas offered on the property, the Main Home, Bedrooms and Guest Quarters was organized in the South American “Estancia” fashion-utilizing the framing elements of pavilion living components to frame the main courtyard around the pool and edging up to the Guadalupe River-all surrounded by mature Oak trees facing the prevailing south East Texas Breeze.

The entry courtyard of the family compound offers a unique natural front door allowing the full vista of the land. Building program was organized in four zones-offering owners and guests private areas for living and entertaining as well as privacy and screening for parking as to not to interrupt the private areas of the landscape.

The transparent and open plan is complemented with large covered terraces and arbors extending the living spaces to the outside. Locally quarried stone walls block the North wind while large Southern overhangs control the summer sun. Building orientation, electronically controlled window/mechanical systems, Geo-thermal heating/cooling systems, tankless water heaters, expanded foam insulation, reclaimed water systems and solar collection are embraced for harmony with the climate.