of Garner Homes’ projects –– native stone, an abundant use of windows and natural light, high ceilings and open floor plans –– Garner says the real difference stems from the way they were used. For example, Garner Homes installed the native stone in clean linear patterns on the exterior of the home and used metal channels to separate the stucco walls, creating a modern plastered panel look. The standing seam metal roof is standard in Hill Country design, but the team used it here with a sleek color and low pitches. “Items we already used and understood, we re-envisioned and gave new energy to in order to get a different look,” says Garner. Replacing the typical wood tongue and groove patio ceilings, this project takes a departure with a special spruce product from a Colorado artisan and friend of the couple who has a proprietary method for taking wood and turning it into art. It is used on the ceilings throughout the interior and exterior of the home to provide warmth to the otherwise contemporary design.
“We shipped in a truckload of beetle kill spruce from a friend in Colorado who owns Vintage Woods Inc.,” says Alex Preston. “It really is warm and unique.” This is just one of the standout features in the Prestons’ home. Everywhere you look there is something interesting, says Alex Preston. “It is all about zing,” he says. “That was our buzz word throughout the design. When you walk in the house, I wanted you to look straight out and get zinged, look right and get zinged, look left and get zinged and then go and explore. And we accomplished that.” For example, some interior walls have 3D blocks that create cool textures while remaining clean and contemporary. The interior flooring replicates industrial concrete but is actually Italian porcelain. Outside, sprawling patios equipped with cozy seating areas and fire pits give way to a palatial pool that overlooks the greens. “We were really proud to be a part of this project,” says
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