Situated within the expansive, 1,000-acre Clear Rock Ranch near Johnson City, Texas, the Clear Rock Lookout is a 450-square-foot structure completed in 2016 and designed by Ryan and Stephanie Lemmo of Lemmo Architecture and Design. The lookout was conceived as a multi-purpose building, serving as a hunting blind, a writing studio, and an observation deck that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country. It is intentionally nestled below a limestone cliff edge, requiring it to be "discovered" by those approaching from the top of the mesa. The design is a celebration of simple materials and low-tech methods, with a focus on artistry and craftsmanship. To contrast with the ranch's more traditional Hill Country vernacular, the lookout features a modern form and was constructed with naturally weathering steel, also known as Cor-Ten steel. This choice was inspired by the owner's past, which included welding oil tanks, and allows the structure to age naturally and blend in with the surrounding terrain. Inside, the rough exterior gives way to a softer palette, with plain walls, wooden ceilings, and large floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with light and frame the views. The interior space is divided into a writing studio and a hunting blind, connected by a walkway that wraps around the exterior and leads to the rooftop observation deck. The careful detailing and use of warm woods contribute to the building's aesthetic as a "jewel box in the landscape". The thoughtful placement and design of the lookout were recognized with a 2017 AIA Austin Design Award. Credits Architects: Ryan Lemmo and Stephanie Lemmo of Lemmo Architecture and Design Photographer: Casey Dunn