Logan County, Oklahoma, USA
Located in Logan County, Oklahoma, the Glass Ranch, designed by Rand Elliott Architects is created to witness light in its many forms and responses that is not only functional but also deeply connected to their natural surroundings, with a particular emphasis on the poetic qualities of light and landscape.
The Glass Ranch has recently been awarded a 2024 Future House Award by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
The exposed south glass lets the sun bounce off the polished surfaces to create an ever-changing spectrum of light shards that transform the interior volume.
The translucent white glass wall captures the reflections like a slow motion movie.
From living space, the north view into courtyard is a framed portrait of rooftop louvers making abstract shadow paintings on 35’ wide concrete wall throughout the day.
This is architecture made of light, for light. It is a place where light and its presence is palpable.
At ground level, the louvered courtyard enclosure slows the wind at human height to a summer breeze.
The elevated roof deck (12’ above ground level) is protected by 4 independently operable louver walls, allowing control from all 4 directions.
The 30’ wide sliding glass wall on the north can be opened the south wind is slowed by louvered courtyard.
Comfortable living during Oklahoma’s summer translates to seeking shade from the hot sun and catching a cool breeze.
Cold winds require a wind block. Wind is constant on the plains of Oklahoma and offers benefits and challenges.
Design reacts to the natural, regional conditions, Local materials, Recycled materials, No imported soil, Prairie grass at building pad restored, Native grass & trees.
Water well, Septic system, Operable louver panels control sun and wind
The building reflects early childhood visions of people and pastures. Memories of metal farm buildings that dotted the land.
This project responds to the farm building aesthetic. As if growing amidst the native grass, this is a building planted in this place.
Small weekend retreat, The wife grew up in Tulsa, spending memorable evenings on the roof observing the stars with her father.
The architects have designed a rooftop deck with amazing views to observe or sleep under stars.
Amenities include toilet, shower/tub, grooming mirrors & minimum
kitchen.
Project: Glass Ranch
Architects: Rand Elliott Architects
Design Team: Rand Elliott, Sam Moore, and Joseph Williams
General Contractor: Lingo Construction Services, Inc.
Client: Private
Photographers: Scott McDonald
