The landscape of contemporary architecture is increasingly defined by the synergy between visionary design and rigorous building science. At the forefront of this evolution stands the enduring partnership between San Antonio based Lake|Flato Architects, renowned for their distinctive, context-responsive designs, and Positive Energy, an Austin, TX-based residential MEP engineering and building science firm. For over a decade, our collaboration has consistently yielded award-winning projects, particularly within the challenging environmental contexts of the Texas Hill Country and beyond. This blog post explores how our integrated approach to design has not only created beautiful and award winning architecture, but also offers invaluable lessons for the broader architectural community.
Read MoreOur comprehensive approach to MEP engineering and building science consulting is deeply rooted in a strategic vision that extends far beyond individual project delivery. Our commitment to the idea of "Healthy people, healthy planet” is unwavering. It is not just a statement, but a guiding principle that permeates our extensive education and advocacy efforts. Through the firm’s Building Science Blog and The Building Science Podcast, we aim to actively cultivate knowledge everywhere we can, demystifying complex technical concepts like indoor air quality and intricate wall assembly dynamics for architects and the broader industry. This accessible knowledge transfer empowers architects to confidently integrate advanced building science into their designs, mitigating risks and ensuring the long-term performance and durability of their projects.
Read MoreThe Hill Country Wine Cave, a distinctive architectural endeavor by Clayton Korte Architects, is intricately integrated into the natural landscape of the Texas Hill Country. This private subterranean structure is carved into the north face of a solid limestone hillside, designed to nearly vanish into its surroundings. Completed in 2020, the 1,405 square meter facility encompasses a tasting lounge, a bar, a restroom, and a dedicated wine cellar capable of storing approximately 4,000 bottles.
Read MoreThe Theresa Passive House, nestled in Austin's historic Clarksville neighborhood, stands as a remarkable example of how architectural preservation can harmoniously merge with modern sustainable design. This 2100 square foot residence, completed in 2020, is not merely a renovation and addition to a 1914 Craftsman bungalow; it is a meticulously engineered dwelling that embodies rigorous targets in energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, and responsible materials sourcing.[1] These ambitious goals were established by the Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), a leading authority in high-performance building standards.
Read MoreThe Marfa Ranch is a distinguished residential project by Lake Flato Architects, is thoughtfully situated on a low rise within the expansive, pristine desert grasslands of Marfa, Texas. This unique location, nestled between the Chihuahuan Desert and the majestic Davis Mountains, presents a challenging yet profoundly beautiful environment. The architectural design of the ranch consciously adopts a low profile, comprising eight distinct structures meticulously organized around a central courtyard. This layout, shaded by native mesquite trees, serves as a cool respite from the sun-drenched desert beyond its walls, drawing inspiration from the area's earliest regional architectural traditions. Architect Bob Harris of Lake Flato articulated that the design embodies a "deliberate quality of spareness that matches the qualities of the land," emphasizing the importance of the house maintaining a low profile to merge seamlessly with the terrain while simultaneously opening to distant views and providing crucial protection from the region's harsh winds and intense sun. This project has garnered significant recognition, including the 2022 Texas Society of Architects Design Award and its inclusion in Dezeen's Top 10 Houses of 2022.
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