Texas Limestone Proves to Be a Model of Sustainability
Referred to as Casa Tre Cortile, “House of Three Courtyards,” a private residence in the Texas Hill Country was built with the environment in mind, including the use of local limestone
Possessing a long-established appreciation for mid-century architecture, the homeowners of a Texas Hill Country residence sought a simple yet elegant mid-century-inspired style for their new home that integrates with the surrounding land features and maximizes outdoor spaces. They collaborated closely with the builder, Sheena McKnight Wall, purchasing director of Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes, and architect Winn Wittman, A.I.A., principal of Winn Wittman Architecture in Austin, TX, to design and construct Casa Tre Cortile, meaning “House of Three Courtyards,” which is a net-zero energy and self-sufficient home stretching more than 200 feet long — sprawling over an entire ridge line.
“The client required the home to be net-zero energy and totally self-sustainable,” explained Wittman. “They also wanted to situate the home so that it was invisible from the surrounding countryside. The selection of a local stone and dark metal helped integrate the home visually into the landscape.”