Part of a complex of buildings, Caja Clara is positioned to complete a courtyard and capitalize on views of distant horizons. The structure is an inversion of the adjacent German homestead offering experiential contrast. Transparent rather than solid, it focuses outward rather than inward maximizing the inhabitants’ connection to the landscape. A sombrero-like roof is the first line of defense against the Texas sun. Lower shed roofs at the East and West sunrise and sunset porches further protect the glass building from solar heat gain while providing sheltered outdoor experiences.
The stone was gathered from the surrounding land by the owner and ranch hands as it was more than 100 years ago when the original white-plastered stone house was built. Used to clad the plinth as well as the fireplace and supporting volumes of the new structure, masonry conceptually cradles the crystalline object. A gap between the two stone boxes housing a warming kitchen and water closet is an axial portal into the taller glass great room beyond.
