In the rugged landscape of Texas Hill Country, architect Ryan Bollom of Low Design Office has created a remarkable retirement home that challenges conventional notions of ranch house architecture. The steel-clad residence, built for gardening enthusiasts Chris and Julie Kelley, demonstrates how modern industrial design can harmoniously coexist with natural surroundings while maintaining minimal environmental impact.
Three years ago, Bollom found himself walking across a 23-acre plot of land near Lake Buchanan in central Texas, searching for the perfect location to build a home for his clients. The couple, who previously lived just outside Houston, had recently purchased the property near Burnet as the site for their retirement retreat. Chris, a retired banker, and Julie, a former schoolteacher, discovered the land during a casual drive through the area and were immediately drawn to its potential.
The property sits within the Wolf Creek Ranch development, a former cattle ranch that has been divided into 64 individual parcels. The topography presents both beauty and challenges, featuring rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, hardy brush, and abundant cedar trees. This harsh but stunning landscape would ultimately inform every design decision made for the home.
The Kelleys chose Bollom and his Austin-based firm partly because of their appreciation for Low Design Office's minimalist aesthetic, but also because they wanted an architect who could handle both the design and construction phases of the project. Bollom's philosophy reflects a deep respect for the natural environment: "Basically, all architecture is invasive. It's going to disrupt the landscape. And so, we're always trying to think about how we can have as minimal of an impact on the landscape as possible."
This guiding principle influenced the site selection process significantly. During multiple visits to the property, Julie had identified a particular spot with a beautiful valley creek view in the distance, which the couple nicknamed "Julie's Spot." However, after careful analysis of five or six potential building sites around the property, the team ultimately chose a different location that offered similar views while providing better access for utilities and construction.
The final location sits on a newly built road and occupies a slope that is steep but manageable for construction purposes. Importantly, it's positioned far enough from neighboring houses to ensure complete privacy while maintaining those coveted panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country.
The clients' vision for their retirement home was clear from the beginning. As passionate gardeners and plant enthusiasts, they wanted a dedicated workspace for their horticultural pursuits. They also requested extensive outdoor living areas and insisted on a material palette that would blend seamlessly with the natural landscape rather than compete with it.
"We didn't want a house that looked like a suburban house stuck on a piece of rural land," Chris explains. "We really wanted the house to be a part of nature." This desire for integration with the landscape became the driving force behind every design decision.
Bollom responded to these requirements by creating a rectangular, two-level residence built into the hillside using a steel pier and beam foundation system. This approach minimizes ground disturbance while allowing the house to float gracefully over the terrain. The material palette consists of stained cedar, corrugated metal, and Cor-Ten steel, creating a cohesive industrial aesthetic that weathers naturally and complements the rugged surroundings.
The home's layout places the primary living spaces on the upper level, including the living room, dining room, kitchen, and master suite. This arrangement maximizes views and takes advantage of cooling breezes. The lower level contains a guest suite and a flexible space that currently serves as both a gym and office, though it could easily be converted to an additional bedroom in the future.
One of the most distinctive features of the home is its large, covered foyer, which doubles as a potting room. Accessed through a sliding corrugated steel door in the carport, this open-air space creates a seamless transition between interior and exterior environments. The design allows for natural ventilation while providing protection from the elements.
Chris took an active role in the construction process, drawing on his background in architecture. "I spent three years in architecture school, and it taught me enough to be dangerous," he says with a laugh. "Actually, it taught me enough to have a lifelong interest in architecture." His hands-on involvement included helping subcontractors clear the site, painting all interior walls with a limewash treatment that adds depth and texture to the rooms, and constructing the second-floor deck using stained cedar.
The home's design reflects careful consideration of Texas Hill Country's harsh climate conditions. Bollom positioned the structure to optimize solar orientation, explaining, "In Texas, you want your longer faces north and south, so the house runs horizontally east to west. The whole goal is to block out as much summer sun as possible and allow the winter sun in."
Deep overhangs on the south and west sides provide crucial cooling shade during the hottest months, while perforated barn doors on the east side help manage morning light. The roof design incorporates a built-in gutter system for rainwater harvesting, which serves as the home's sole water source. The integrated system can collect an impressive 2,510 gallons of water for every inch of rainfall, storing it in a nearby 29,175-gallon metal cistern.
Sustainability features extend throughout the design. The roof structure is prepared for future solar panel installation, and the steel pier and beam foundation system causes minimal soil disruption. The choice of materials – corrugated metal and stained cedar – was made specifically for durability against the region's harsh weather conditions.
The interior spaces reflect the same thoughtful approach to material selection and environmental integration. In the kitchen, a limewashed ceiling catches and reflects natural light while wood cabinetry and a corrugated metal backsplash echo the exterior's texture and materiality. The cabinets, sourced from Reform, provide clean lines that complement the home's industrial aesthetic.
The master bathroom showcases how the neutral palette and subtle tile work play off the surrounding landscape. Thanks to the property's extreme privacy, the shower offers unobstructed views of the natural surroundings, creating a spa-like experience that connects inhabitants directly with nature.
Throughout the home, an in-wall fireplace in the dining room adds warmth and atmosphere during cooler months. The couple originally planned to plant a large tree in the central light well, but logistical complications led them to keep the space open, which ultimately allows more natural light to penetrate the interior.
The lower level features ample porch space with sweeping views of the rugged landscape. The guest suite operates independently from the main living areas, with an exterior staircase leading to the second level, allowing visitors to come and go without disturbing the homeowners.
Living in such a remote location comes with both rewards and challenges. Chris and Julie rarely encounter other people near their home, but they regularly receive visits from local wildlife including wild turkeys, roadrunners, coyotes, foxes, and cattle managed by a local rancher. "I think we have a love-hate relationship with the remoteness," Chris admits. "We love being out here and we love our home, but it's harder to do anything spur-of-the-moment."
Despite the challenges of rural living, the couple has no regrets about their decision. The home has become exactly what they envisioned: a retreat that respects and celebrates its natural setting while providing modern comfort and functionality. Chris and Julie have begun experimenting with growing native plants, taking advantage of their new environment to expand their gardening expertise.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can create a structure that enhances rather than dominates its landscape. By using industrial materials in a refined way and prioritizing environmental sensitivity, Bollom has created a home that will age gracefully alongside its natural surroundings.
"We have a unique place here," Chris reflects. "It's in nature, and sometimes nature can be pretty but rough." This acceptance of nature's dual character – both beautiful and challenging – perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind this remarkable Hill Country residence.
The Wolf Creek Ranch Residence stands as a testament to the possibility of creating architecture that is both boldly modern and deeply respectful of its environment. Through careful site planning, thoughtful material selection, and innovative design solutions, Low Design Office has created a home that redefines what a Texas ranch house can be in the 21st century.
