Perched along a gentle rise in the Texas Hill Country, the Dripping Springs Residence embodies a modern retreat that is deeply anchored to its site. The design responds to the rugged topography, oak-dotted terrain, and sweeping views, creating a home that balances openness with privacy and modernity with environmental sensitivity.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
First Award | Private Residence (Large) (Built)
Project Name: Dripping Springs Residence
Category: Private Residence (Large) (Built)
Studio Name: Webber + Studio, Architects
Design Team: David Webber, AIA, NCARB
Marek Hnizda, AIA, NCARB
Thomas Tornbjerg, AIA
Ray Santana-Linares, Assoc. AIA
Stefan Bader, AIA
Area: 5,000 SF + 4,205 SF terraces, porches
Year: 2022
Location: Dripping Springs, Texas
Consultants:
Photography Credits: JP Morales Photography & Paul Bardagjy Photography
Render Credits:
Other Credits:
The residence is organized as a series of interconnected volumes, each defined by low-slung rooflines and material transitions that break down the scale of the building. Strong horizontal gestures visually ground the home, while carefully framed openings orient living spaces toward curated moments in the landscape. Circulation unfolds as a sequence of spatial reveals, guiding occupants through layers of light and view.
A restrained material palette of local limestone, charred wood, steel, and glass reflects the home’s modern character while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Expansive glazing blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, encouraging year-round engagement with the landscape. Deep overhangs, angled screens, and cascading planters provide solar protection, reduce heat gain, and integrate vegetation as an architectural element.
Sustainability and durability were key drivers of the project. Passive ventilation and solar orientation reduce mechanical demand, while rainwater collection, xeriscaping with native plants, and recycled metal materials minimize environmental impact. The home incorporates a solar energy system and other eco-conscious measures that extend its functionality beyond aesthetics, ensuring that the design actively supports long-term resilience.
The residence is as much about outdoor living as interior comfort. A covered pool and an outdoor gathering area, called the “Frontitorium,” create a versatile social hub, while private terraces and garden courtyards offer moments of quiet reflection. These exterior spaces are deliberately layered to encourage a lifestyle that embraces the rhythm of the Hill Country climate.
By merging modern design with regional sensitivity, the Dripping Springs Residence demonstrates how architecture can achieve a quiet confidence. It balances simplicity with richness and environmental performance with experiential depth. The home is both a sanctuary for its occupants and a respectful participant in its broader landscape, capturing the essence of contemporary Hill Country living.
