RAMMED EARTH RANCH

Location: Texas Hill Country
Completed: 2010
Design Team: Gary Furman, Philip Keil, Kate Tart
Contractor: Classic Constructors
Photographer: Ethan Stead

Converting an existing rammed earth barn into a residence presented an interesting challenge: how to preserve the integrity and presence of this unfinished structure while providing conveniences of modern life. The conversion treats the rammed earth walls with respect, touching them delicately and constructing multi-level living quarters inside the larger volume. Much like a cabinet inside of a shell, a wood mezzanine takes advantage of the spaciousness inside the barn. Steel windows and doors infill openings in the rammed earth, contrasting with the two-foot thick walls.