Description of the project by John Grable Architects
Sited within a flood plain adjacent to Sister Creek - a tributary to the Guadalupe River - a lone structure hovers above the land on steel oil pipe pilotes creating an elevated perspective and panoramic view to the adjacent creek and waterfall dam. Serving as a sanctuary for mind, music and health, this single volume program is three miles from the verdant cypress tree lined "horse shoe bend" of the Guadalupe River chronicled as "the prettiest place in Texas" by Frederick Law Olmsted in his 1857 book A Journey through Texas.
The piloted super structure assembled with reclaimed oil field pipe pays homage to five generations of the family legacy within the oil industry. Laced within the alternating grey Sinker Cypress wood bands - which subtly recall the earth and water strata displayed in petroleum boring logs - are an array of specialty yoga plates utilized for poses that embrace the tranquility of the space. The dual corner windows flanking a corner steel column bathe the baby-grand piano in early morning light. The dual cypress walls define an intimate space for musical reflection which fosters perfect acoustics that are directed and amplified towards the cypress tree lined creek.
The custom steel and glass door system unfolds to unite the volumes of structure and distant views of the cypress creek and waterfall mimicking the cascading ripples of the falling water. The use of reclaimed sinker cypress for both the floor planks and wall panels resonate with the scenic cypress trees which reside along the creek banks.
Main characteristics:
- Readily available oil pipe used for structure pay homage to the family legacy within the industry
- Alternating bands of sinker Cypress recall yoga themes of horizontality and relation to the Sister Creek floodplain
- Elevated perspective provides panoramic view and intimate relationship for personal reflection.
