Veduta Brutale
With inspiration adapted from Italy, Veduta Brutale, meaning “brutal view”, reflects not just the architectural style, but also its heavy and solid presence as a home atop a hill on the outskirts of Boerne, Texas. The design becomes literal and figurative, going past concept to frame bright panoramic views and create a harmony between landscape, light, structure, and materiality.
Client
UTSA + Hollie Sanchez
Year
04/25/2025
Design Intent
Designed with a client in mind: A newlywed couple in their early 30s, built for their present life and a possible future child. At roughly 2,000 square feet, the home serves as a secluded sanctuary, separated from work and the crowded city. Family and friends are central to their vision. The design emphasizes connection and hospitality through a spacious open living area ideal for gathering and entertaining. It is equipped with a seamless transition between an indoor and outdoor dining space that welcomes the panoramic views of the country and rural landscape into their daily lives.
The husband works for a car company in Germany and travels frequently, often accompanied by his wife as his assistant. The husband’s passion for vintage cars shapes the exterior as well, with generous space to display his collection daily and accommodate visiting friends.
The architecture encompasses the raw material of board-formed concrete to mix with the natural aspect of the site and it natural backdrop. It also adds the unique texture of the wooden forms which is complemented with the warm wood accents in the interior.
A primary feature of the home begins at the entrance: a cantilevered, brutalist porch that projects far over the front door. Upon entering, visitors are come into a skylight with an irregular geometry that floods the space with natural light. In the living room space, the roof structure is supported by an exposed system of concrete beams, allowing for a loft-style open ceiling that brings out the importance of the space in the home.
