lake/flato architects, san antonio

The judges praised this charming little pavilion's “strong plan” and “nice proportions.” Conceived as a family retreat on a larger property containing an existing main house, the project presented Lake/Flato Architects with an opportunity to design a building that serves purely as a getaway destination. “The critical challenge was to create a pavilion where you do feel connected to the views and the environment, but you're not encumbered by too much architecture,” says principal in charge David Lake, FAIA.

He and project architect Brian Korte created a rustic haven that blends the low-maintenance with the luxurious. Ipé siding, decking, and flooring stands up to winter moisture, and interior walls of oiled mild steel need little care. Sealed, resawn cedar plywood ceiling panels reflect the light streaming in through the massive lift-slide doors on the pavilion's southern and western sides. And in the summertime, the owners can push those doors completely back, opening up the main living space to its bucolic surroundings.

principal in charge: David Lake, FAIA, Lake/Flato Architects
project architect: Brian Korte, AIA, Lake/Flato Architects
general contractor: Tor Jensen, Bishop Builders, Ketchum, Idaho
structural engineer:
Scott Williamson, Datum Engineering, Austin, Texas
project size: 645 square feet
site size:
3 acres
construction cost:
Withheld
photographer: Brian Korte, AIA