Music Box by John Grable Architects. An acoustic experience
05/06/2017.
Sisterdale [Texas] USA
metalocus, SARA NÁJAR
metalocus, SARA NÁJAR
Description of the project by John Grable Architects
Sited within a flood plain adjacent to Sister Creek - a tributary to the Guadalupe River - a lone structure hovers above the land on steel oil pipe pilotes creating an elevated perspective and panoramic view to the adjacent creek and waterfall dam. Serving as a sanctuary for mind, music and health, this single volume program is three miles from the verdant cypress tree lined "horse shoe bend" of the Guadalupe River chronicled as "the prettiest place in Texas" by Frederick Law Olmsted in his 1857 book A Journey through Texas.
The piloted super structure assembled with reclaimed oil field pipe pays homage to five generations of the family legacy within the oil industry. Laced within the alternating grey Sinker Cypress wood bands - which subtly recall the earth and water strata displayed in petroleum boring logs - are an array of specialty yoga plates utilized for poses that embrace the tranquility of the space. The dual corner windows flanking a corner steel column bathe the baby-grand piano in early morning light. The dual cypress walls define an intimate space for musical reflection which fosters perfect acoustics that are directed and amplified towards the cypress tree lined creek.
The custom steel and glass door system unfolds to unite the volumes of structure and distant views of the cypress creek and waterfall mimicking the cascading ripples of the falling water. The use of reclaimed sinker cypress for both the floor planks and wall panels resonate with the scenic cypress trees which reside along the creek banks.
Main characteristics:
- Readily available oil pipe used for structure pay homage to the family legacy within the industry
- Alternating bands of sinker Cypress recall yoga themes of horizontality and relation to the Sister Creek floodplain
- Elevated perspective provides panoramic view and intimate relationship for personal reflection.
John Grable's award-winning work is inspired by his intimate relationship with the environment, which stems from his love and respect for the land and a keen understanding of how buildings can gently co-exist with nature. After 18 years as a project manager and partner at Lake|Flato Architects, John returned to his roots in 2004 and founded John Grable Architects, where his more than 30 years of experience as a designer, builder, developer and teacher converge.
American Institute of Architects Service
Chair, Texas Society of Architects Fellowship Committee, 2008
Co-Chair, AIA San Antonio Design Awards Committee, 2000-2006
Education Service
2012 - Texas Tech University - Visiting Professor
2011 - Washington University in St. Louis - Juror for Wendell Burnette's Studio
2007 - 2010 University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture - Advisory Council Member
2005 - University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Graduate Studio - Adjunct Professor
2004 - UTSA Lake|Flato Graduate Design Studio - Co Founder
1998 - UTSA Lake|Flato Senior Studio - Studio Professor
1998 - UTSA School of Architecture - Juror
1997 - Texas A&M University - Guest Lecturer
Civic
2010 - Design Guidelines Committee, City of Alamo Heights
2006 - Design Guidelines Committee, City of Alamo Heights
2001 - 2006 Traffic Planning Oversight Committee, City of Alamo Heights
1999 - Present Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Volunteer, Site and Trail Development
1997 - 2013 Planning & Zoning Commission, City of Alamo Heights