Hill Country Retreat
Henly, Texas
Perched in the tall grasses overlooking a pond near Henly, Texas, the Hill Country Retreat invites guests to connect with nature and enjoy the views dotted by oak trees. Our clients sought to celebrate the rolling 40-acre site with a pavilion that would sit quietly in observation—an experience they often found on African safari trips.
Shade and protection from the elements are paramount and are provided for with a long, slender porch-like structure protecting modern glamping amenities, which include an airstream placed within the deck. The exoskeleton is made up of salvaged drill-stem pipe paired with Ipe decking, copper insect screens, and a laced canvas roof with broad eaves diffusing the Texas sun. Sitting lightly on the land, the 16-feet-wide by 72-feet-long pavilion is divided into eight bays marked by large swinging doors running along inlaid steel tracks.
Refined, custom details around the doors and screens elevate the design. Yet, the structure is meant to be simple and durable. It will withstand the elements and patina naturally over time. Much like the building, our design process embraced the basics as all of our documents were hand drawings. The project was executed through very close collaboration with the craftsmen.
