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Notes From Our Journey

From twenty-six years of building custom homes on Lake Texoma, here we share about our process and what we've learned about design, materials, engineering, and the decisions that shape a home built to last for generations — the questions clients ask us most often, and the answers we give around the table in our design center.

Designing Homes to Capture the Perfect Light: A Lake Texoma Perspective

September 23, 2026

Every piece of land has its best hour. It might be the gentle wash of late afternoon sun reflecting off Lake Texoma, or the crisp, clear morning light filtering through the trees on a secluded lot. Perhaps it’s the quiet “blue hour” just after the sun has departed, leaving a soft glow. These moments shape a homeowner’s experience long after the details of decor fade into the background.

At Ceci Bates Custom Homes, we recognize the significance of these ephemeral hours. Our architect, Roberth Jordan, carries a deep understanding of how to harness natural light to enrich the living experience. On a recent project, situated on a hill overlooking Lake Texoma, Roberth oriented the home specifically to capture a breathtaking northwestern view. Here, the sunset imbues the sky with vibrant oranges and pinks that reflect off the water.

To achieve this, the home was meticulously designed, not only with windows strategically placed to welcome this mesmerizing light but also with shading to protect the interior from the intense summer sun during peak hours. This ensures that the warmth of the sun can be enjoyed in common areas during the evening while avoiding the harshness of midday exposure. Before any design commenced, our process included a comprehensive sun study of the property. This study analyzed the movement of sunlight across the land throughout the seasons, guiding the orientation and design of the home’s architecture.

Such attention to detail is not an exception but a standard at Ceci Bates. We deliberate over how light interacts with every home, integrating it thoughtfully into our designs. The experience of living in a home that celebrates these light-filled hours is easily felt and profoundly rewarding—enhancing daily life in ways that defy easy description.

We invite you to explore how Ceci Bates Custom Homes can transform these ideas into reality. To learn more about our approach to design, please visit cecibates.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ceci Bates Custom Homes incorporate natural light into their designs? ▼

Ceci Bates Custom Homes, led by architect Roberth Jordan, uses sun studies to orient homes in Lake Texoma to capture optimal light, enhancing the living experience.

What measures does Ceci Bates take to shield homes from excessive heat while capturing sunset views? ▼

Ceci Bates Custom Homes designs windows and shading systems to harness sunset views while minimizing heat through strategic placement and seasonal studies.

Why is sun orientation important in custom home design? ▼

Sun orientation ensures homes are built to capture desirable light, affecting energy efficiency and enhancing living spaces. Ceci Bates Custom Homes prioritizes this in design.

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