I feel that the building traditions of France transfer well to the landscape and climate of the Texas Hill Country. Here a small Dordogne Valley house serves as a nice model for a Hill Country house. The building is strictly natural and traditional, with just a few materials, and a permeable and flexible structure. Solid masonry structural load-bearing walls, 18–24" thick, of Texas limestone in lime mortar and quoin stone corners and openings. Slate or clay tile roof on timber rafters. Mortise and tenon timber doors and inswing double casement windows in true divided light and single glazing. Stone and timber floors. Any plasters or renders are lime or clay, with natural earth pigments if desired. Timber is unfinished or with natural oils or waxes. Absolutely no bitumen, cement, plastic, fluorocarbon, paint, plywood, or damp-proof membranes.
 Dordogne Valley house |
 French 18th century, casement windows |