CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Preface

The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a smooth design and construction process for all of the homes at Boot Ranch. The goal is to aid the Owner, design professionals and building contractors in creating a home that complements the Hill Country setting and is aesthetically pleasing from neighboring lots and the golf course. It is our objective to ensure that the golf course, the existing and proposed homes, and the natural scene flow together with each other. With the desire to expand architectural styles, it is imperative to blend the new styles with the current architecture, to refine details with new materials, to blend in rather than stand out. The Boot Ranch Architectural Review Board looks forward to working with Owners and design professionals to create a home of casual elegance, Texas style!

1.2 The Role of the Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board should be viewed as a member of the Owner’s design team and not as an adversary. The primary role of the ARB is to clearly communicate and implement the design standards within Boot Ranch such that the standards are reflected in the completed homes and other improvements throughout the community. The process that will be used to aid in achieving these results is explained in detail in this document. These Guidelines are a Document under the Declaration, and may be amended from time to time by the Sponsor, as such term is defined in the Declaration, as necessary to achieve the goals set forth herein. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Declaration and the terms of the Guidelines, the terms of the Declaration shall control.

1.3 Key Elements of Composition

In order to achieve the high standards of design within Boot Ranch, the following Elements of Composition will assist in creating a truly excellent design.

1. Site Integration: Each custom, new home in Boot Ranch should be properly integrated into the setting. This includes proper siting within the setbacks (distance by which a building is set back from the property line) and building envelopes, establishing floor elevations that respond to the grade, providing adequate drainage to respond to the existing natural and proposed future flows, and selecting appropriate exterior materials. Typically, minimum setbacks are 30’-0” from each side and rear property and at least 75’-0” from the front property line for lots located in Phase 1 and 30’-0” on all sides for lots located in Phase 2. One level homes will be allowed with proper design of retaining walls that are integrated into the overall design as determined by the ARB.

2. Scale: All new homes must be appropriately scaled relative to the size of the Lot and the vertical massing relative to the site context.

3. Proportion: Each design element of the home has an inherent proportional relationship to the other, and to the entire structure. This includes, but is not limited to windows, doors, fascia details, columns or posts, entry areas, exterior walls, and site walls. The goal is for every home to be well composed and designed with all design elements appearing in proportion to each other and to the whole composition.

4. Rhythm: Rhythm refers to the regular or harmonious recurrence of overall forms, window or door openings, roof or fascia lines, structural support elements, or other shapes, colors, or materials.

Architecture should exhibit a semblance of rhythm, including sequence by size, shape or pattern, or even random similarity of forms.

5. Balance: Balance in architectural design is measured by the overall composition of visual forms, the exterior material placement and integration, the proportion of window area to wall mass, and the composition of the building masses.

6. Color: The use of color as a complement to the design and the overall context is extremely important. Homes designed with consideration for color application from the start can use more interesting and sophisticated compositions than designs that apply color at the end of the design process. Boot Ranch seeks to support the use of color beyond the simplified applications, to create a diversity of color use that adds character to individual homes and to the entire

Development.

7. Texture: The Texas sun can reflect greater amounts of light off smooth surfaces, so a rich and varied palette of textures is desired to minimize the reflectivity of walls and roofs. Dramatic or bold texturing must be controlled, as it can be equally disruptive to the visual environment. A random, subtle texturing is preferred compared to a visually distracting, repetitive pattern created by unintended texture.

8. Shade/Shadow: A vital component of design is the use of depth in architectural design and detailing. A transitional space or architectural features such as a roof overhang or trellis from the outside to the inside, is a necessary component augmenting the visual appeal and livability of the home.

9. Material Integration: The Guidelines stipulate specific criteria regarding the allowable type and placement of exterior materials. The purpose of this element as part of Design Integrity is to ensure that in addition to providing the correct type and amount, the artfulness in the overall composition is achieved. The combination of textures shall be complimentary rather than

competing. Colors shall be compatible, and their placement must enhance the other elements such as balance, appropriateness and visual strength.

10. Integrity/Visual Strength: The overall integrity of a design is measured in its visual strength or how well all the components look and feel when assembled together. A well-composed home that has excelled in all design elements listed will have a great visual strength.

11. Appropriateness: The degree of diversity of individual design expression will be measured against the stated goals for the overall character. Some individual designs may be deemed inappropriate or incompatible but are not necessarily a reflection of the quality of the design.

Appropriateness also applies to all other elements with regard to components being compatible in scale, material, color selection, etc.

12. Artistic Endeavor: This element recognizes that the criteria presented in these guidelines are not intended to inhibit the overall artistic quality of a design submission. A design submission may be exempt from particular criteria if the design successfully incorporates all other elements contained herein. The exception must not cause an undue negative impact to another individual property or the Development as a whole.

13. Landscape Design: The landscape shall follow all these elements including the use of native plants, variety of trees, and minimal turf and landscape beds to conserve water. To help with the water conservation effort, it is strongly encouraged to use artificial turf. Exceptions may be allowed within courtyards or patios.

14. Sustainable Design: Many tools are available to achieve a sustainable design. This ranges from solar elements to energy efficient appliances. More complex or highly visible technology should be considered last, but when utilized must be artfully integrated.