There is a wonderful, serene, perfect peace to this setting: a glassed in great room that opens at its center out into a precious view of the few trees beyond.

The great room is the heart of a rustic retreat in drought-stricken Texas for a young military family.

Bare bones materials like polished concrete flooring throughout and just plywood on the walls and ceiling are paired with beautiful construction design for a distinctive retreat on a budget.

Their desire was for a getaway for family and friends to escape city life – without sacrificing a hip urban edge.

In addition to a fan, outside, a tall screen overhang keeps the great room cool and breezy.

The setting houses several rainwater harvesters to wring every last drop from the parched skies.

Originally the clients were going to position the house at the top of the hill, but instead chose to set it between the only trees on the property to give it context and community.

Like these vets, the surrounding trees are survivors in this arid landscape.

A deep earthy burgundy together with the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen complement the simple plywood walls and ceiling.

A city ordinance requiring housing for 2.5 cars resulted in this shaded pavilion that the couple wanted to be designed so it could actually be used for outdoor dining.

Brushytop House was designed for this young family of four by San Antonio-based studio John Grable Architects.

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A Hip Country Home for a Young Military Family