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the cleaner and lighter lines of the interior.
What's more, Korte adds, "It adds a bit of
that family legacy or history to the space."
Together, these decorative tensions achieve
a quiet, unhurried elegance underpinned
by a design attuned to, and reflective of,
the landscape. Such is the nature of good
hospitality as envisioned by Clayton Korte.
"The project is an instrument; a tool or
museum that not only provides the utility
of proper preservation of wine, but also
provides a privileged perspective to the
occupant," Korte concludes. "This sense
of prospect and refuge as you approach
and eventually enter into the cave is central
tenant of the design. It maintains one's
sense of subterranean occupation without
the overwhelming environmental conditions
that would make one seek to leave. In this
way, the cave can be appreciated from
the safety of the interior space in the same
way the stars can be appreciated from the
relative safety of Earth." claytonkorte.com
For a subterranean space, Hill Country
Wine Cave is remarkably light in feeling,
with filtered natural daylight and a visual
connection to the outdoors crucial to
this outcome. The space's "simple, yet
rich, domestic material palette," as Korte
describes it, was chosen for "practical
elegance, local availability and minimal
maintenance." Surfaced White Oak, both
natural and ebonized, and raw Douglas fir
was used for wall panelling, cabinetry and
dropped ceilings. Salvaged Cedar live-
edge planks, sourced from a local sawmill,
were utilized for the island top and vanity.
"The slabs," Korte notes, "originated from
felled trees in the area as a result of a major
200-year river flood that decimated some
amazing Cedar and Cypress trees. We were
happy to be able to give these slabs a new
life and extend their legacy on the ranch."
The space also accommodates a monu-
mental table for group tastings; this striking
family heirloom offers a heavier contrast to
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