Roam Ranch by Baldridge Architects

Set amid the rolling landscapes in Texas Hill Country, Roam Ranch by Baldridge Architects is a striking contemporary residence, deeply rooted in the region’s rich agricultural and architectural heritage.

The residence, located just outside Fredericksburg, blends modern design and traditional ranch aesthetics, reflecting the ethos of its owners and the rugged charm of its surroundings. Roam Ranch is the vision of a dynamic couple dedicated to sustainable, regenerative farming. They sought a retreat to accommodate family and diverse business operations seamlessly. The brief called for a comfortable family home that honours the ranch vernacular while incorporating modern luxuries usually found in urban residences.

The residence, located just outside Fredericksburg, blends modern design and traditional ranch aesthetics, reflecting the ethos of its owners and the rugged charm of its surroundings.

The design response was both stylistic and logistical. The clients wished to retain two existing structures on the property, with the subsequent built form using these as a catalyst for layout and design language. The resulting home features volumes for bedrooms, a carport, kitchen, offices, a gym and more – all unified under a single roof. This arrangement is designed to facilitate fluid movement between spaces, with each room offering a unique perspective on the landscape that is all linked by external walkways. The living areas are positioned to maximise natural light and views, while private spaces are tucked away, providing a sense of retreat. At the heart of the design is an open, polycarbonate-clad gable intersection, which serves as a central hub. This space ingeniously takes advantage of breezes and light while functioning as a multipurpose area.

Designed to sit gently on the land, respecting the natural topography and vegetation, the low form is reminiscent of traditional ranch houses that hug the earth, providing shelter from the harsh Texas climate while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors. Volumes are separately conditioned, enhancing energy efficiency. The design also features shaded, exterior pathways that enhance sustainability by reducing the need for artificial cooling and using deep eaves to block intense sunlight.

The low form is reminiscent of traditional ranch houses that hug the earth, providing shelter from the harsh Texas climate while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors.

Working to integrate the building with surroundings, materials are used to anchor the home into its context. Locally sourced and appropriate materials dominate the palette, echoing the durability and resilience of traditional ranch structures. Stone is quarried from nearby sites, and the rusted patina of the steel echoes barns and agricultural structures scattered across the landscape to create a design that speaks to the location.

Historically, ranches in Texas have been centres of agricultural activity, embodying the spirit of self-sufficiency and connection to the land. Baldridge Architects has continued this tradition through the creation of Roam Ranch, with its design reflecting the functional and aesthetic principles of rural architecture.

Architecture by Baldridge Architects. Build by Duecker Construction. Landscape design by Baldridge Architects and Campbell Landscape Architecture.