A nature getaway in the Blue Lake Retreat, designed by Lake|Flato Architects

Designed by San Antonio-based Lake|Flato Architects, the Blue Lake Retreat is a three-story family retreat home in Marble Falls, Texas. Built on a steep hillside and overlooking the lake, the home's design effortlessly fuses indoor and outdoor spaces in the house so that guests can fully enjoy the surrounding landscape. Most recently, the project was named as one of the recipients of the 2017 AIA Housing Award.

Read more about the project below.

“The long, narrow three-story residence dramatically culminates at the top floor, set just above the tree line—providing nearly a 180-degree view of the lake beyond. 

Further emphasizing the unique site’s juxtaposed landforms, the third floor’s cantilevered deck reaches toward the water, while a bridge on the opposite side of the home anchors into the hillside behind, connecting the house to its surrounding landscape.”

“The third floor north-facing glazed wall offers unobstructed views of the lake, while smaller punched openings in the south-facing wall give deliberate glimpses of the rugged beauty of the hillside behind, highlighting the counterpointed landscapes.”

“Four separate bedroom retreats are tucked below on the lower floors. All circulation space was shifted outdoors, allowing further immersion in nature. The two-story boathouse and swim deck mimic the home’s design, echoing its connection to the land by utilizing a similar bridge to unite the site’s varied landforms.”

“The top floor is open and large enough to comfortably host the entire family in one space, yet intimate to reinforce close family-bonding.”

“Materials were selected primarily for their durability and deliberately placed in response to sun and wind exposure at each elevation and orientation on the site. Extroverting nearly 5,000 sq. ft. of outdoor spaces led to the creation of a four bedroom, four bath lake house that celebrates outdoor living.”

In case you missed it, check out all the 2017 AIA Housing Award winners in the link below.