Camp Frio

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contractor: dalgleish construction
structural: arch consulting engineers
photographer(s): whit preston, paul finkel, tobin davies

awards

AIA Austin Design Award of Merit, 2021
Texas Society of Architects, Design Award 2019

publications

Residential Design Magazine, Vol. 4, 2019

A multi-family compound rises from a remote, grassy valley on the bank of the Frio River deep in the Texas Hill Country.

The goal for this project was to create shelters with an environmental experience unique to its place where Summer madness gives way to Winter stillness. Where city life and digital stimulation are replaced by the experience of feeling a cool breeze or snuggling up to a warm fire.

Structures consist of a main house, meditation room over art studio/garage, and two guest studio cottages. Main house and cottages are linked by a slightly elevated walkway which enables barefoot kids to run back and forth over the tall grass and creepie crawlers.

Much like “Dogtrot” shelters from the past, a “breezeway” bookended by concealed multi-slide doors, bisects the main house enabling alfresco dining most of the year; alternatively, the space is zoned and can be enclosed for heating. Screened porches, front and back, envelope cozy living chambers. Secondary sleeping spaces occupy an attic that spans the rear porch of the main house while cottages feature open “kid’s” lofts.

Structures were detailed for simplicity of construction with readily available, local materials and fashioned by local tradesmen.

Reporting after their first weekend in camp, the Owner enthusiastically announced that spaces “are cozy… but ample and gracious; dark and moody…. but bright and airy.”

An idyllic retreat where architecture and nature coalesce. The linear forms of the cabins with their distinctive shed roofs offer a modern interpretation of pastoral living. The façades are a juxtaposition of wood siding against smooth stone, achievi

In the foreground of a vibrant wildflower field, the cabin's design emphasizes simplicity and functionality with its dark wood siding and steep gable roof. A fully screened porch forms a seamless transitional space between the home's interior and the

Capturing a moment of playful energy, the architecture presents a warm wooden façade, enriched with vertical siding that imbues a textural depth. A single square window punctuates the structure, offering a glimpse into the bright interior space. Set

Surrounded by a lush landscape of native grasses and towering oak canopies, the contemporary cabins exhibit rustic charm with their weathered wood exteriors. The communal green space serves as the heart of the retreat, offering a juxtaposition of man

Amidst a tapestry of wildflowers, the cabin's distinctive vertical siding and gable roof line exhibit a contemporary edge. The generous use of glass on the façade juxtaposes transparency with the solidity of wood, while the covered porch acts as a se

Framed by a scenic hillside, the deck links a cluster of wood-sided cabins, reflecting a balance between modern design and natural elements. The architecture's rustic appeal, featuring a weathered wood finish and corrugated metal roofs, is offset by

The cabin's screened porch extends into a pristine lawn, offering a peaceful retreat against the dramatic backdrop of a hillside. The scene, featuring a person cooking outdoors, captures the essence of leisurely hill country living. The cabin, with i

From the vantage point of the screened porch, one observes the interplay between contemporary interior design and the great outdoors. The space is outfitted with tasteful furnishings against the backdrop of rich, wooden floors, set beneath a dark, ex

This screened porch scene captures the essence of outdoor living with its structural wood elements and rustic flooring that blend with the natural setting. The comfortable outdoor furniture is arranged for socializing or solitary reflection, highligh

Viewed from an interior staircase, this image presents a screened porch where two individuals relax on lounge chairs. The porch, defined by its clean-lined wood construction and open framework, features a contrast between the bright outdoor light and

This interior showcases a modern dining space that converges with a minimalist stairway. White shiplap walls contrast with the rich, dark-stained wood floors, creating a clean, airy aesthetic. The stairs, featuring dark wooden treads, add a contempor

The image captures a dining room that opens onto a screened porch, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The room is anchored by a solid wood dining table accompanied by modern chairs, and above, a large, dome-shaped red pendant light adds a focal poin

The image depicts a transitional space within a home, where a wooden dining table and a modern chair occupy the foreground, suggesting a minimalist design approach. A bright yellow chair adds a burst of color, contrasting with the neutral palette of

The image features an elegantly appointed living room with a sophisticated palette. Dark bookshelves flank a cozy fireplace with a contrasting light plaster hood and warm, stacked bond firebrick. A classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman, in tan leath

This image displays an eclectic living room with a bold blue tufted sofa and a classic Eames lounge chair in caramel leather. The room features a built-in bookshelf painted deep blue, filled with books and decorative items, creating a rich, intellect

A bright kitchen space combines modern appliances with traditional design elements. Navy blue cabinetry and a vibrant red range add bold color to the room, while a stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher provide a contemporary feel. Natural light

An artist's workspace is brightened by daylight streaming through expansive windows looking out to the landscape. The room is arranged for functionality, with a central worktable, stools, and organized shelves stocked with various art materials. Wall

A bedroom combines contemporary and vintage elements, featuring an ornate black headboard against a white shiplap wall. To the side, a plush blue armchair offers a comfortable seating option. A mid-century modern nightstand, adorned with a vibrant gr

The bathroom features a freestanding clawfoot tub with a matte black exterior and chrome claw feet, positioned by a floor-to-ceiling corner window with a view of the outdoor landscape. The space is detailed with white walls and a shiplap ceiling that

The room features a sloped ceiling and is furnished with three twin beds, each adorned with quilted bedspreads and flanked by side tables and wall-mounted lamps. A vintage rocking chair and a woven basket contribute to the room's cozy layout. Hardwoo

Overlooking a bedroom, a white staircase with dark treads ascends against a backdrop of shiplap walls. The bedroom is styled with a mix of modern and traditional decor, including a black-framed bed with a textured throw blanket and a vibrant, geometr

A bedroom with a large window offers a clear view of a hillsidelandscape. Inside, a framed collection of illustrations adorns the wall next to a traditional spindle bed with a dark headboard. The floor is covered with a red woven rug, and the light f

Captured from the side, the photograph focuses on a section of a building with a large glass window and a metal awning, set against weathered wooden siding. The window reflects the sky and internal elements of the building, juxtaposed with a view int

The deck overlooks a calm river reflecting the trees. The setting is natural, with outdoor furniture in the background suggesting a space for leisure and observation of the waterfront environment. Designed by Cuppett Kilpatrick Architecture and Inter

The photograph focuses on the detail of a wooden cabin structure with a distinctive awning, set against a backdrop of a lush, hilly landscape. The vertical siding of the cabin creates a rhythmic pattern, interrupted by the angular awning above a wind

In the dimming light of dusk, the image captures a cabin with its interior lights glowing warmly against the twilight. The cabin's vertical wooden siding is silhouetted against the evening sky, while the natural landscape around it fades into the enc

As dusk settles, the image reveals several cabins with interiors illuminated, standing amidst a natural field with trees and a hilly backdrop. The rustic wooden siding of the cabins contrasts with the soft evening light, while the lit windows punctua