Inspired formally by local limestone formations such as Hamilton Pool Preserve and cenotes found throughout the southwestern US and Mexico, the Wellspring House eschews the book-ended, flat hilltop for a challenging hillside location. Entering the site, the house slowly materializes in parallel with downtown views. Water guides visitors from the top entrance to the public, entertaining areas down through the pool level and culminates in the private bedrooms.
Functionally, the house is intended to act as an instrument for viewing the landscape. Long vistas over the pool draw the eye to the Texas Hill Country beyond while the master bedroom and bath frame views of downtown. Intimate spaces are centered around the oculus.
The garage and guest-wing of the house are covered by a green roof, serving to help protect the local ecosystem.