Escala Hills Villa

Escala Hills Villa is a contemporary residential compound designed to engage the landscape of the Texas Hill Country while creating a sense of retreat within a one-acre site outside Austin. The project responds to the gentle slope of the terrain through a composition of low horizontal volumes and layered outdoor spaces that extend the architecture into the surrounding landscape.

Approached along a cobblestone drive, the arrival sequence unfolds through a motor court framed by pavilion-like structures inspired by mid-century modern architecture. This arrangement establishes a strong sense of entry while allowing visual connections to pass through the architecture toward distant Hill Country views.

The 6,000-square-foot main residence forms the heart of the compound and is complemented by a 1,000-square-foot guest house and cabana positioned along the pool terrace. Together, these buildings define a series of outdoor rooms that step gradually down the site, creating terraces, gardens, and gathering spaces that follow the natural topography.

Materiality plays a central role in anchoring the architecture to its environment. A restrained palette of board-formed concrete, exposed structural steel beams, natural wood, and stone reflects the textures and tones of the Hill Country landscape while establishing a contemporary architectural language. These materials provide both durability and warmth, allowing the structures to feel grounded within their setting.

Outdoor living is a defining element of the project. Covered terraces, open-air lounges, and a central outdoor fire feature extend the interior living spaces outward, creating environments that support both everyday life and larger gatherings. The pool terrace and cabana establish a resort-like setting that encourages a lifestyle centered around the outdoors.

Expansive glazing brings natural light deep into the interior spaces while carefully framing panoramic views across the surrounding hills. At the same time, the placement of buildings and landscape elements creates protected courtyards and layered outdoor zones that maintain privacy from neighboring properties.

Through its careful response to site, material expression, and integration of indoor and outdoor living, Escala Hills Villa reflects a contemporary interpretation of Texas Hill Country architecture—one that is both and deeply connected to its landscape.