singing hills bluff compound
H. E. Butt Foundation · Leakey, Texas
In the middle of the Frio River Canyon lies Singing Hills, a campground that’s been beloved for generations. Established in 1955, it is one of the H. E. Butt Foundation’s historic camps and continues to be enjoyed by an array of people every year.
Card and Company was called on to design multipurpose auxiliary spaces with flexible accommodations for the groups that use the space year round. Our team led programming sessions with the foundation’s leadership and staff to ensure new additions would enhance what visitors love about the facilities, while allowing the camp to better serve its campers.
The compound needed to hide in plain sight with forms and materials complementary to the canyon. Simple shed roofs are tucked within the canopy of cedar and oak. Limestone retaining walls, wood siding, and deep-set porches are at home in the natural surroundings. Construction minimizes environmental impact with cut-and-fill earthwork along the stone bluff.
Interior materials, strong enough to withstand another generation of campers, repeat those used on the exterior, minimizing the dichotomy between indoors and outdoors for a true camp experience.
project team
CCO. Jonathan R. Card, Matt Burton, Antonio Sanchez, Marc Toppel, Javier D. Alonso, Michelle P.S. Stedman, Zachary Sample, Ben Locher
Owner: H. E. Butt Foundation
General Contractor : Zuber Construction
Interiors : CREO
Landscape Design & Installation: Native Roots Landscape
Structural Engineer : Hill Country Structural