Hozhoni on the Hill
Cottonwood Shores, Texas 2021
Completed in 2021, Hozhoni on the Hill is a wedding venue and luxury glamping retreat designed by LACM Group for a prominent hilltop site in Cottonwood Shores, Texas. We developed the project as an immersive hospitality destination where architecture, landscape and human experience come together against panoramic views of Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
The design combines Chapel Hozhoni, an open-air celebration pavilion and a collection of imaginative guest accommodations within a secluded natural setting. Sculptural forms, unconventional building materials and carefully positioned outdoor spaces give each part of the property its own identity while establishing a unified experience centered on gathering, reflection and connection to the landscape.
Chapel Hozhoni and the Rock of Faith
At the heart of the property, we designed Chapel Hozhoni as a sculptural open-air structure composed of steel and white architectural fabric. Its soaring, tipi-inspired form rises above the hilltop and shelters the monumental 12-ton Rock of Faith, creating a symbolic focal point for ceremonies, reflection and gathering.
The chapel’s open configuration preserves expansive views in every direction while establishing an intimate setting for weddings and special events. An adjacent shaded pavilion extends the venue into a flexible celebration space designed to accommodate dining, dancing, music and social gatherings without losing its connection to the surrounding landscape.
Architecture Inspired by Balance and Beauty
Our design for Hozhoni on the Hill was informed by architect Marley Porter’s work with the Navajo Nation and the meaning of the Navajo word Hozhoni, which expresses the relationship between balance, being and beauty. This guiding principle shaped the architecture as a sequence of spaces that encourage visitors to pause, gather and experience the natural qualities of the hilltop.
Rather than competing with the dramatic setting, the architecture frames the surrounding water, rock, sky and distant hills. Open forms, elevated terraces and carefully composed viewpoints maintain a continuous visual connection to the Texas Hill Country landscape and create a distinct sense of place.
The Glampominium and Stardome
The hospitality component of Hozhoni on the Hill explores adaptive reuse and experiential design through the Glampominium, a multilevel composition created from stacked shipping containers. We transformed these utilitarian structures into distinctive accommodations connected by elevated decks, stairs and outdoor living spaces overlooking the Highland Lakes region.
At the highest point of the Glampominium, the transparent Stardome creates an unforgettable architectural experience above the landscape. Designed as a private retreat for sleeping beneath the Texas sky, the elevated dome combines panoramic views with a secluded terrace and outdoor amenities. Luxury safari tents and container suites expand the range of accommodations while maintaining the project’s imaginative character and close relationship with nature.
Hospitality Architecture Shaped by the Site
Hozhoni on the Hill demonstrates how hospitality architecture can transform a challenging hilltop property into a memorable destination. The design responds to the site’s elevation, rugged terrain and expansive views by placing each structure and outdoor space in deliberate conversation with the landscape.
Through expressive architecture, adaptive reuse and carefully considered indoor-outdoor experiences, we created a Texas Hill Country destination suited to weddings, private celebrations, wellness retreats, group gatherings and overnight escapes. LACM Group provided the architectural vision for Hozhoni on the Hill, shaping its overall concept, chapel, gathering spaces, guest accommodations and relationship to its Cottonwood Shores setting.
Keep Exploring
