Photo: Wander, Inc

When new owners purchased this Powder Mountain, Utah home, they saw an opportunity to keep some of the interior design elements while giving it polish and personality through a large-scale remodel. Formerly owned by a cohort of bachelors, the space was described as “moody mountain masculine,” but lacked the wow factor that a fresh sophisticated design would offer.

Having worked with Vertical Arts Architecture and Interior Design on a previous project, the owners didn’t hesitate to reach out again aiming to give this home a new look with paint, wallpaper, lighting, and furnishings. The vacation home the couple envisioned highlighted a holistic theme connecting the entire space. “The simplicity of Scandinavian design incorporating whimsical elements to keep it interesting was the look we went for,” says Sarah Tiedeken, Vertical Arts partner.

Photo: Wander, Inc

This home’s clean lines are accented by light oak flooring and trim. A color palette of greens and blues echo the beauty of the surrounding natural outdoor landscape. Floor-to-ceiling window walls make the most of the expansive views. Assimilating organic shapes in the new light fixtures provides interest and contrast.

“Existing fixtures were given new life by enhancing them during the redesign,” Tiedeken explains. Extra storage space was added in the kitchen to the right of the range. An eat-in island with seating for six makes a comfortable place to gather and entertain without feeling too formal and stuffy. 

Photo: Wander, Inc

The living area features new furnishings that perfectly complement the indoor-outdoor aesthetic to create a cozy haven for entertaining guests or simple relaxation. Layers of textiles and finishes throughout the home add visual interest connecting the look of each individual space.“The primary suite was reconfigured to add more closet space,” says Tiedeken. “A patina steel fireplace and mural wallpaper gives the room unique polish and personality.” 

Tiedeken explains that each guest bedroom is intentionally styled to make it an outstanding part of the home’s design. “Wall coverings give every bedroom space its own special moment,” she says.“The media and theater room are used as a special retreat for the owners and their guests,” Tiedeken notes. “A sliding barn door ensures that the space is private and quiet for enjoying a movie.” 

Photo: Wander, Inc

The game room showcases a distinctive light fixture above the pool table to add dimension to the rectangular space. The ski and mudroom is carpeted in an eye-catching blue and green with plenty of storage for outdoor equipment. Tiedeken points out that a collaborative relationship with the owners was crucial to achieving the look and feel they wanted for this house. “We personalized existing elements and replaced others to achieve balance and pull it all together.”

Photo: Wander, Inc

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

A legacy home can be thought of as a place where cherished memories are made over a significant amount of years. In Missoula, Montana, Sarah Ayers and Luke Jackson of Loci Architecture + Design helped design an eight-bedroom, multigenerational abode for homeowners Marguerite Jimenez and Andy Knipe.

We sit down with them to learn about their journey creating a timeless, modern treehouse.

How long has the property been in the family? 

Marguerite Jimenez and Andy Knipe: The new home construction was completed in December 2022, and [we] have been living there since. The property on which the home sits has been in the extended family for thirty-plus years, and is adjacent to two other lots occupied by close family members across three generations.

Are there special ties to the land?

MJ & AK: The house sits next door to one of Marguerite’s childhood homes, and on the exact location where the [we] were married. Another special aspect of the house is the old ponderosa pine it was built next to. We got married under that tree so keeping it intact was important to us. 

Why was a sustainable design chosen?

MJ & AK: Sustainability was a goal from day one. Everything from design and footprint to appliances and overall efficiency. The home – which was infilled on an existing property – sits next to a creek, amidst a small forest, and in a neighborhood surrounded by open space.

Sarah Ayers and Luke Jackson – Loci Architecture + Design: Sustainability was a non-negotiable goal, so every design decision was evaluated to balance environmental impact and budget constraints.

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Walk us through the design process.

SA & LJ: The owners originally approached us to renovate and expand a portion of the original 1880’s home to provide space and amenity for their family of four, and to upgrade the home to accommodate aging in place for Marguerite’s mother. 

In addition to being financially untenable, it was determined that the renovation would be so invasive that it would alter the home more than desired. Therefore, the decision was made to build a new, small, accessible home that would increase site utilization and property value and to protect the charm and scale of the original home.

MJ & AK: We built the home so that the ground floor was wheelchair accessible in case we needed to support an aging parent with limited mobility. We did a lot of back and forth with my mom about what she wanted to look out on from her house and that affected both the design and some of the exterior features like siding colors.

Tell us about the home’s architectural style.

SA & LJ: Our concept for the home was similar to a bird treehouse. The goal was to touch the site as lightly as possible, provide a viewing platform above ground level, and to take advantage of the eye-level view into the forest canopy.

What was its inspiration?

MJ & AK: My mom’s house next door is one of the oldest houses in the Rattlesnake Valley and the spot where we were building was really limited in terms of the buildable space. So we opted to go with a design that made use of height and open spaces to offset the small footprint of the house. We wanted the house to feel like a treehouse and built right into the natural landscape around it.

What are standout natural materials used throughout the home?

SA & LJ:  Exterior material colors and textures are reminiscent of the scaley, rusty-orange and black bark of a mature Ponderosa Pine. Regionally-milled siding, columns, and beams were specified to support local economies and to minimize the environmental impact of non-regional materials.

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Photo: Jessica Vizzutti/Cou Cou Studio

Thanks to impeccable architectural elements—including a large overhang and doors that fold all the way back—a lush landscape, exceptional views and an abundance of stylish furnishings, this home affords its owners the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience. | Photo: Audrey Hall

People come to Sun Valley, Idaho, for a number of reasons—some like the prospect of perpetually sunny days (on average, there are 250 of them a year); some are obsessed with the first-class skiing on Bald Mountain; others can’t get enough of the best fly-fishing spots in the Lower 48. Whatever the draw, there’s no denying that the great outdoors are a little greater here. For the homeowners, it was no different. When they relocated to Idaho from Philadelphia, they brought Sean Narcum and Peter Zimmerman of Peter Zimmerman Architects with them to design a Mountain Modern home that seamlessly integrated the incredible landscape with the interiors.

“They wanted something that really took advantage of the great views of Bald Mountain and provided a lot of openness and light,” says Zimmerman. “As we came to understand the site, we decided the main living areas and primary bedroom would be on the entry level with the best views, and the balance of the bedrooms would be on the lower level that opens to the grade down below.”

Perennials like salvia, echinacea and catmint as well as a contemporary chandelier highlight the entry. | Photo: Audrey Hall

The program for the five-bedroom, 4 1⁄2-bathroom residence also called for plenty of outdoor access via doors that fold back and disappear, and a dramatic overhang that provides a unique alfresco experience. “That cantilevered porch had to really float out there for the view to remain unobstructed from left to right,” explains Zimmerman. “When those doors are open, there’s very little distinction between the inside and outside.” The homeowners looked to East Coast designer Barbara Gisel to devise a plan for Western-inspired interiors.

“There are a lot of materials that Peter used which are organic, so we selected colors of fabrics and textures to soften those a bit,” she says. “I love playing with real wood, stone and iron. It adds a lot of volume to the depth of the design.” Gisel says it was also imperative to bring in all aspects of the Couple’s lifestyle. “It’s not just one style here—it’s a combination,” she notes. “We wanted to make the most of the scenery, which is fabulous, and capture the mountain spirit. But we also wanted to add sophistication while bringing color from the outside in. The art Carolyn chose is vibrant and a bit Western. They’re also an active family, and they like to travel and do sports, so we wanted to capture that feeling, too.”

Bubble-inspired lighting makes a return appearance above the dining table. | Photo: Audrey Hall

When it came time to take on the landscape design, the couple kept it local and collaborated with Chase Gouley and Ben Young of BYLA Landscape Architects, with offices in Ketchum, Idaho, and Bozeman, Montana. “This property had some challenges, as it’s located on a steep hillside with a tight building envelope,” says Gouley. Adds Young: “Because the house is higher, the landscape had to ground it. We wanted it to feather right into the native surroundings. It’s definitely a garden, but it’s a Western garden that feels right and authentic.”

In order to create additional privacy from the nearby road, the landscape architects installed a stone wall that complements the stone around the house. They also carved out plenty of inviting places for people to gather outside, including seating areas, water features and a fire pit on different levels. “You can use all of those areas, and no one is missing out because it’s all very relational and social,” Young says. “It’s fun—everything about this house is built around enjoying the scenery.”

Designer Barbara Gisel captured the mountain spirit with color that brings the outside in. | Photo: Audrey Hall

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES

The design team shares some of their favorite interior-meets-exterior moments.

NATIVE-INSPIRED LANDSCAPE DESIGN BLENDS WITH LUXURY LIGHTING An assortment of plants including white spirea, Blue Fox willow, Walker’s Low catmint and purple dome aster leads the way to the home’s entry. “The one thing that stumped us was the lighting in the foyer—it had to be decorative,” says designer Barbara Gisel. “The height of the ceiling is so impressive, but steel and wood are so hard. That’s why I love the bubble fixture. It gives just enough light and feels like it’s in the sky.”

EXPANSIVE VIEWS MEET COZY LIVING AREAS “It’s always difficult when you design large open living spaces to create a sense of comfort on a very human scale,” says architect Peter Zimmerman. “But this space easily accommodates two or three people as well as much larger groups.

It’s about using scale elements, like dropping the ceiling above the dining area, to create a sense of intimacy, and I think we did that very well.” TRANQUIL TONES HIGHLIGHT NEARBY TREETOPS Gisel chose a decidedly serene palette for the primary bedroom, which highlights all the green just beyond the panes. “It’s as breathtaking as any bedroom I have done,” she says. “The soft colors bring a sense of calmness and bring the view right in. It almost feels like you’re in a treehouse.”

Architect Peter Zimmerman created wide-open living spaces on a main floor that blends into the landscape. | Audrey Hall

Gisel chose furnishings with sharper lines. “As you get more modern, you try to get more texture, and it all just works on its own,” she says. | Audrey Hall

A mix of finishes in the kitchen including a wenge- topped island, white-oak cabinetry and a Pannelli marble backsplash lend an air of refined rusticity to the kitchen. The designer added leather stools to further the natural flavor. | Photo: Audrey Hall

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing soak in the freestanding Petra bathtub by MTI while taking inthe serene surroundings from a floor-to-ceiling window in the primary bath. | Photo: Audrey Hall

From the start, the primary goal of the homeowners was to take advantage of the exciting views that come with the proximity to Baldy Mountain. | Photo: Audrey Hall

Gisel created a restorative retreat in the primary bedroom with colors that allow the scenery to come right into the room. | Photo: Audrey Hall

PHOTO – AUDREY HALL
ARCHITECTURE – PETER ZIMMERMAN ARCHITECTS
INTERIOR DESIGN – BARBARA GISEL DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION – LEE GILMAN BUILDERS
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT – BYLA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

As featured in ML’s July/August 2024 Issue

Photo Audrey Hall

When a rural Colorado couple decided to leave their home on a working ranch and make a move to Bozeman, Montana, they devised a system to decide what to take with them. By meticulously cataloguing the belongings that would make the journey, they were able to present a clear picture to Susie Hoffman, founder, and owner of Envi Interior Design Studio, who could ensure that their prized collection of Swiss heirlooms looked as if they were always meant to live in the space.

Envi partnered with architectural firm, ThinkTank Design Group, to design the interior for the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, 4,500 square foot new build in a Bozeman neighborhood located on a formerly industrial site.

Photo Audrey Hall

The architects designed the house in a series of levels representative of the area’s industrial history incorporating clean-lined concrete, metal, and glass. “Envi was challenged to co-mingle the couple’s Swiss heirlooms with his treasures and Buddhist faith,” says Hoffman. “We embraced the idea of eclectic groupings and an unexpected consistency that became its very own style.” Without feeling forced, the heirlooms were integrated with deliberate thought. 

A steel-walled entry and a Tibetan-themed mudroom mix with the custom shelving in the living room housing treasured books, and an antique wingback chair reupholstered in a modern print. The bathroom features bold wallpaper and a Murano chandelier above the stand-alone tub. The true cook’s kitchen has a Scandinavian feel and pops of turquoise color on the stools where family and friends gather and make themselves at home.  

Photo Audrey Hall

The result is a mix of old and new that creates a feeling of comfort with a rich color palette that clearly evokes the personalities of the couple. “The home is arranged to create new surprises and a true sense of fun,” explains Hoffman. “New furnishings and rugs helped tie the look together and created a harmonious blend of many different styles.” Though incongruent with the home’s architectural design, the interior successfully spotlights the myriad groupings of objects and sentiment.

The couple was delighted with the outcome and loved the “playful, funky vibe” the décor exudes. “Really, this project was woven together like a big puzzle using lots of textures, wall coverings, and decorative fabrics,” notes Hoffman. The couple, and their new abode, fit right into the pedestrian-friendly, vibrant community they now call home.

Photo Audrey Hall

Photo Audrey Hall

Photo Audrey Hall

Gone are the days of constrained views through punched openings. Today’s expansive wall openings with bifold doors or large lift-and-slide panels effortlessly connect indoor spaces to expansive covered decks. These once-seasonal exterior areas have now become vibrant extensions of the home, complete with family-style dining setups, discreetly mounted infrared heaters for warmth, fire pits that double as functional tables, and even fully equipped outdoor kitchens.

Innovative companies like Kolbe offer cutting-edge solutions such as 4-panel doors that stack with the push of a button, while Anderson Windows and Doors (acquired from Weiland Doors) provide lift-and-slide doors that vanish into wall pockets, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. These features not only enhance the visual appeal of a home but also create a profound connection with nature, leaving both homeowners and guests in awe.

Strategically positioned walls of glass can frame captivating outdoor features or panoramic views, enhancing the overall experience of each space. For example, in an A-frame home, a wall of glass at the rear can create a dramatic perspective akin to looking down a rifle barrel at a breathtaking landscape.

Glass walls that open up to outdoor amenities like fire pits or water features beckon residents to step outside and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. These design elements not only facilitate indoor-outdoor flow but also encourage social interaction and gatherings in alfresco settings.

Alternatively, when merely admiring the Ski Mountain through the expansive glass doors isn’t sufficient, guests are enticed to venture outdoors and establish a fresh gathering spot on the patio, where the host can be found grilling.

Homeowners are drawn to Steamboat Springs for its stunning natural beauty and collaboration between the builder and window professional results in the crafting of homes that embody the essence of “inside-out” living.  Our firm believes that this seamless integration with nature is fundamental to creating truly exceptional alpine homes.

Hans Berend is CEO and co-founder of GB Design Build, a full service design/build firm based in Steamboat Springs. The GB Design Build team takes immense pride in their mission: crafting inspired living spaces for our clients that seamlessly integrate with Steamboat’s mountain environment. View their profile or contact them at 970-879-1725.

Content provided by GB Design Build

The homeowners for this project desired a residence that embraced uniqueness, modernity, and a strong connection to nature. The outcome? A multi-level dwelling seamlessly integrated into its environment, surrounded by the majestic pine trees and rugged landscape outside of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Completed in October 2021, this 6,300 square foot home boasts expansive open-concept living spaces flooded with natural light from all directions. Architectural coherence is evident, with design elements flowing seamlessly between the exterior and interior of the home.

Exterior Front View

The stately main entrance is flanked by an auto court and a three-car garage topped with a flat roof covered with stone ballast. Given the home’s secluded mountain setting, fire-resistant construction was imperative. Materials chosen for their ignition-resistant properties include the composite brown horizontal siding and large grey cement board panels on the exterior. An appealing fiber cement fascia elegantly pulls the elements together. 

Living Room

Overhead, wood clad ceilings extend throughout the entire home. The multiple levels of the home are connected by a grand staircase featuring a unique steel mesh railing which allows for transparency and visual appeal. On the upper level, an impressive bridge connects the primary suite on one side with the home office and craft room on the other.

Consistency in materials is maintained from the exterior to the interior, with the incorporation of large panels of cement board and stone veneer, establishing a cohesive design language. Underfoot, a prefabricated wood flooring system ensures uniformity throughout the interior spaces.

Adjacent to the entryway, intentionally spaced vertical light niches span the entire front plane of the home across upper and lower levels, offering subtle ambient lighting which enhances the overall atmosphere.

Massive 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows dominate, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the home stands a majestic stone fireplace and chimney which extends seamlessly to the exterior as a stone retaining wall.

Kitchen

The timeless white kitchen boasts high-end appliances and ample storage. A generous island houses the sink and faces expansive sliding doors which seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces. Outside, concrete pavers laid on a concrete slab are outfitted with an outdoor kitchen, creating an exceptional entertainment area.

Upper Level Bridge

The upper level is truly the owner’s getaway. Elevated and open on both sides, the bridge offers sweeping views to the south and up the hill to the north. Clerestory windows positioned on both ends enhance the sensation of a floating roof above.

Primary Bathroom

Echoing the timeless white aesthetic of the kitchen, the primary bathroom showcases shaker-style cabinets and Pental quartz countertops. Completing the sleek design are brushed nickel fixtures. A freestanding tub nestled in the corner is artfully recessed into the tile floor, accentuating the distinctive pebble detail around its base. From the corner windows, one can see how seamlessly the home integrates into the surrounding hillside.

Second Level Office

Positioned on the second level, the home office lies opposite the bridge leading to the primary suite. Offering abundant storage, built-in shelves and cabinets flank a spacious work surface, complemented by a breathtaking view of the valley. Through the windows, the consistent wood-clad detailing is visible on the roof’s overhang.

Exterior Rear View

From the back, the architecture of the home unfolds, showcasing its distinct levels and components. With four separate rooflines, the home seamlessly integrates into the natural contours of the site and is embraced by the surrounding forest. The outdoor area presents a blank canvas, ripe with potential for future outdoor spaces envisioned with pathways, walkways, and the beauty of native grasses and flowers.

Brandt Vanderbosch is Principal at and Founder of Vertical Arts Architecture, a Colorado-based architecture firm specializing in creating some of the nation’s most unique residential and commercial spaces. View their profile or contact them at 970.871.0056.

Content for this article provided by Vertical Arts Architecture.

The entry features a dramatic cantilevered roofline and picture- framed views of Bald Mountain and Deer Valley. Glass bridges connect the sections of the home; The jewel-box dining room is to the left. | Steve Wilson Photography

This Los Angeles-based couple started coming to Utah almost 25 years ago for the Sundance Film Festival and haven’t missed one yet (except during the pandemic). But it was a quite-by-chance visit in the “off season,” that enchanted them. “We won our kids’ school raffle, and the prize was a few days in Utah in the summer,” the homeowner says. They hiked and fished during the day. The air was fresh, and they camped out under a blanket of stars in the clear night sky. “We could see ourselves putting down roots here.”

Sustainable materials—stone, reclaimed barnwood and heavy timbers—bring outdoor elements into the home. “The fumed oak paneling shows off the grain pattern and gives the walls a weathered look,” says interior designer Stacey Beck. | Photo Laura Bruschke

Before long, they were looking for property on which to build “a kind of sanctuary to protect us from life’s stresses, a place where we can re-energize and forget about time, a place to be with our loved ones.” As far as the actual style, the homeowners didn’t have a clear idea initially. “We wanted something traditional that felt organic to the environment, but with a modern edge,” says the husband. They also wanted something that “looked like it belonged in nature.”

The kitchen is an informal place for family dining with seating at the counter for children. “We do love cooking,” says the husband, “and the large kitchen gives us another area in which to gather.” | Photo Laura Bruschke

Cobus van den Berg, principal of Park City-based Berg Design Architecture, understood immediately. As the homeowners talked, he sketched. “I believe in traditional and emotional values related to design and architecture, and like putting pencil to paper,” he says. One by one, the drawings revealed a home that was a blend of modern lines and mountain vernacular—clean, timeless and elegant, yet anchored to the land. “Part of the idea was when a group of people go into the wilderness, they set up a primary shelter as a central gathering area … surrounded by individual smaller and more intimate shelters to which they can retreat,” he says.

Two wall ovens allow for cooking multiple dishes that require different temperature settings. Cabinets are rift-cut oak. Countertops and island are a durable Mont Blanc quartzite. A prep sink is conveniently located in the kitchen island. | Photo Laura Bruschke

The homeowners found a suitable property at Victory Ranch, a private development, with views to the Wasatch Range, the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Provo River. The two-level, 6,600-square- foot home mainly conforms to the contours of the land, but the architect did “a little tweaking” to focus on the views. “When they open the front door, there’s a picture-framed view of Bald Mountain and Deer Valley straight through the house,” says van den Berg.

The dining room has glass-globe lighting and window walls on two sides. | Photo Laura Bruschke

A dramatic entry with cantilevered tent-like rooflines defines the structure of the main house. “The big steel beams that carry the roof structure are hidden inside the roof cavity,” says Jason Groscost, of Park City-based Kent Construction. Gray quartzite was used to bring outdoor elements into the home. Dark-stained timbers and reclaimed barnwood ceilings extend to the soffits to provide a seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

“The ergonomically designed step-down- into tub has glass on three sides…and offers panoramic and uninterrupted views,” says interior designer Stacey Beck. “The marble is honed and that gives it that little bit of texture to make it slip resistant.” | Photo Laura Bruschke

Glass corridors linking the main section of the home with the wings are another of the home’s unique architectural features. One corridor is a jewel-box dining room with double-sided views; the other is a breezeway that connects to the ultra-private primary wing.

The main bedroom has a modern-moody look with shou sugi ban-style walls, soft furnishings and, on the window wall, woolen draperies and cotton sheers. | Photo Laura Bruschke

For the interiors, the homeowners collaborated with Stacey Beck of Park City-based Beck & Engle Design. “They are creative thinkers with a bit of a playful streak and were super-attuned to the life their home would create for themselves, their family and multitude of friends,” she says. “They would tell me, ‘Here’s the look we want,’ and we worked backwards from there to make it happen.”

Marble floors in the main bathroom show off a large-scale herringbone pattern. Twin mirrors are custom from Urban Electric. | Photo Laura Bruschke

A large working kitchen was a priority not only for cooking but also gathering and socializing—even to the point of “bumping” the original structure out to gain an extra 10 feet—a change that was made after the homeowners stood in the space during construction. It was a costly choice but one they do not regret. Both husband and wife love cooking. “The truth is that my wife is a great cook, and I’m her sous-chef,” the husband confesses.The home radiates warmth and welcome. “I want to look back and say, ‘Happy lives were built here,’” the husband says.

EXTERIOR PHOTOS – STEVE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERIOR PHOTOS – LAURA BRUSCHKE

ARCHITECTURE – BERG DESIGN ARCHITECTURE

INTERIOR DESIGN – BECK & ENGLE DESIGN

CONSTRUCTION – KENT CONSTRUCTION

As featured in ML’s March/April 2024 Issue