Modern architectural building at dusk, featuring vertical wooden siding, dark concrete, and horizontal wood panels, with warm light glowing from a tall window. Blurry tall grasses are in the foreground. A Vimeo video player overlay displays controls and the title CLB | Riverbend.

Riverbend

Jackson, Wyoming

Service

Type

Residential

Location

Jackson, Wyoming

Photography

Matthew Millman
Tom Harris
Video: Sheets Studios

This private residence is located on an 18-acre wooded property on the east bank of the Snake River adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. A careful study of the river resulted in a design that engages with its riverine and mountain setting, marking its difference and deference to the landscape.

A contemporary linear home featuring extensive glass windows and natural wood siding, set amidst golden autumn trees and dry grassy terrain under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Located on a wooded property with dramatic mountain views, this house sits adjacent to the Snake River, which forms the north and west perimeter of the site. A careful consideration of the relationship between the building envelope, river, and mountain views led to the decision to elevate the main floor of the house six feet above the natural ground plane.

The main and guest houses surround a south-facing deck and a bosquet of aspen trees. Resting on bases of board-formed concrete, the volumes are defined by large overhangs sheltering deep-set glazing, and associated decks that unify the architecture. On the whole, the design strikes a balance between exposure and enclosure, contrasting broad glass expanses and open volumes with textures and materials that offer a sense of grounded comfort.

Engaging with Nature

On the river side, a protected deck runs the length of the house, rising to the second story on the east. This multipurpose outdoor space serves as an extension of the living room, dining, and kitchen, and provides access to the river via a series of platforms.

Contemporary building exterior at dusk, featuring a large wooden overhanging roof, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wood paneling, and concrete elements, with warm lights illuminating the interior and exterior, a gravel foreground, and trees in the background.

Modern living room with a slatted wood ceiling, tall board-formed concrete fireplace with a burning fire, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a scenic forest and mountain landscape. Neutral sofas and gray armchairs on a dark green rug are illuminated by warm ambient lighting.

Patina

Cedar interior and exterior walls are enclosed in an exterior shell of weathering steel. Over time, the steel will develop a patina and the home will exchange its black shell for a rusty one, helping it further integrate into its site, much like a rusty pickup truck forgotten in the landscape.