Explore a stunning blend of Brutalist design and Texas Hill Country charm, featuring raw materials, vibrant accents, and a deep connection to nature.
Nestled in the rugged yet captivating landscape of Johnson City, Texas, lies a residence that showcases the transformative power of thoughtful architecture and design. This project goes beyond being a modern home: it stands as a daring interpretation of Brutalist design, softened by purposeful interior details and a profound connection to its surroundings. For architect Patrick Taylor Winn and interior designer Sara Oswalt, the vision was clear: create a retreat that reflects both the land and the homeowners’ lifelong dreams.

The Art of Brutalist Design Meets Texas Landscape
Brutalist design is often associated with raw, industrial materials and imposing geometric forms. Yet, in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this architectural style finds a fresh, unexpected expression. The home embraces the key elements of Brutalist design — concrete walls, steel beams, and expansive glass panels — while balancing them with the warmth of wood, vibrant colors, and carefully curated furnishings.
This striking contrast between Brutalism and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape results in a space that feels both bold and connected to its environment. The home mirrors the hearty grasses, craggy boulders, and the flowing Pedernales River, blending effortlessly with the landscape’s elemental textures and tones.


A Thoughtful and Functional Design Approach
When architect Patrick Taylor Winn first visited the property, he was captivated by its vast, untamed beauty. The homeowners had spent years camping and enjoying cookouts with their children on the land, and now they envisioned a permanent home to serve as a gathering place for their growing family.
The husband dreamed of living by the river, while the wife envisioned a sleek, modern house made of concrete, glass, and steel. Winn’s design brilliantly combined these aspirations with a simple yet effective layout: two bedrooms positioned on either end of an east-west axis, with a light-filled central space housing the kitchen, living, and dining areas. A custom steel bridge connects two elevated outbuildings — one dedicated to fitness and meditation, the other for entertaining, complete with a bar and hot tub.
Interior designer Sara Oswalt complemented this vision, selecting furnishings, art, and finishes with a focus on both practicality and emotional resonance. Oswalt ensured the home was as beautiful as it was functional, blending old and new elements in a way that felt seamless.


Design Features That Truly Stand Out
Raw Yet Refined Materials
The home’s material palette celebrates Brutalist design while avoiding the feeling of coldness often associated with it. The sleek, raw concrete walls and floors are softened by a warm, blond fir ceiling that adds texture and lightness to the interior. This careful balance creates a space that is grounded yet inviting, making it a perfect blend of modern and comfortable.
Furniture with a Story
Oswalt carefully selected furnishings that prioritize both comfort and history. Many pieces were repurposed from the homeowners’ previous residences, including a large dining table crafted by an Argentine woodworker and granite counters transformed into bedside tables. These thoughtful choices infuse the home with a sense of personal significance, making it not just a modern space but one full of memories and stories.
Colorful Accents Inspired by Nature
While Brutalist design often leans toward muted or monochrome color schemes, this home embraces a bold approach. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Oswalt incorporated vivid color accents throughout the space. The living room features a yellow two-sided sofa paired with cherry-red velvet chairs, while an electric blue frame transforms a vintage oil painting into a striking, contemporary statement piece.
In other areas, softer hues prevail. The kitchen and dining spaces showcase custom cabinetry in white and blackened oak, complemented by deep emerald green accents and natural wood elements, creating a sophisticated yet warm aesthetic.
A Nod to Personal History
One of the home’s most unique and meaningful features is the leather-wrapped stair treads, a subtle yet powerful homage to the husband’s career in the cattle industry. This personal detail adds warmth and character to the otherwise minimalist, angular space, grounding the design in the family’s history and identity.
Intentional Color Blocking
Drawing inspiration from renowned architect Luis Barragán, Oswalt used color blocking to create dramatic, energizing spaces. Mustard-colored curtains in the guest suite and a yellow epoxy floor in the upstairs office infuse the home with bold color, creating a dynamic visual contrast to the more neutral tones found throughout the rest of the home.





A Space for Connection and Legacy
More than just a design project, this home is a symbol of family legacy and connection. The couple’s desire to build a retreat where they could gather with their children and grandchildren is reflected in every design choice. Expansive dining tables, cozy seating areas, and a spacious patio with panoramic views invite moments of connection and togetherness.
The integration of the home with the surrounding landscape emphasizes this ethos. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame stunning views of the Hill Country, ensuring the outdoors remain a constant presence. Whether it’s a peaceful morning by the river or a lively family gathering, the home fosters moments of joy, connection, and lasting memories.


An Inspiring Vision for Brutalist Design
This Johnson City residence redefines the possibilities of Brutalist design. By thoughtfully blending raw materials with warm, human-centric details, Patrick Taylor Winn and Sara Oswalt have created a space that is both bold and harmonious. The residence challenges preconceived notions about Brutalism, demonstrating that the style can be beautiful, inviting, and deeply personal.
At its core, this project is a celebration of contrasts: industrial meets organic, past meets future, and rugged beauty meets refined elegance. The home is a striking example of how Brutalist design can be reinterpreted to fit within the context of its surroundings while maintaining its powerful aesthetic.
For those inspired by this fusion of Brutalist design and warmth, explore Marnois’ curated collection of furnishings. Whether you’re looking to integrate Brutalist elements or enhance your space with a bold statement, Marnois has the pieces you need to bring your vision to life.
