This project was a journey of design discovery for the client, an East Coast native who sought a balance between tradition and modernity. She envisioned a home that would reflect her family’s legacy and meet their needs for years to come, while harmonizing with the striking natural surroundings of Jackson, Wyoming. A collaborative design process led to a design rooted in contrast and thoughtful simplicity that combines materials and textures of the region with a stately, elegant feel.
The home occupies a prominent 49-acre lot perched on the eastern crest of a butte. With panoramic views of the Teton Range to the north and Sheep Mountain to the east, the site has a dramatic sense of elevation and openness that evokes the feeling of floating in the sky. The steep contours and sloping terrain informed the home’s orientation, while local height restrictions led to a design that anchors into the hillside, with the slope closely informing the elevation of the structure.
An entry courtyard hugs the mountainside, creating a grounded, sheltered arrival experience that transitions seamlessly into the expansive vistas beyond. Organized around a clear north-south axis, the home centers around a dramatic double-height stair which marks the threshold between public and private spaces. On the main level, the living, dining, and kitchen areas extend outward above the bedrooms, maximizing exposure to views. On the opposite side, the primary suite offers a private retreat. The lower level contains three bedroom suites, two bunkrooms, a lounge, and a wine cellar—all tailored to the needs of a multigenerational family. A separate guesthouse, complete with its own bedrooms, living spaces, and wellness amenities, complements the main residence, creating a cohesive family compound.
Materiality helps define the home’s character, blending traditional warmth with modern precision. Stone sourced from Montana clads the exterior and continues to interior spaces, providing a tactile continuity between inside and out. Cedar tongue-and-groove ceilings and walls along with walnut floors and millwork introduce natural textures that echo the surrounding landscape, while blackened steel wall panels define custom elements, such as the central hearth and furnishings. The interior palette incorporates earthy tones—sage greens, ochres, and burnt oranges—to ground the design within its mountain setting. Custom details, including a curvilinear light sculpture and a hand-crafted dining table, reveal a commitment to craftsmanship on pieces that will stand the test of time.
Sustainability was integral to the home’s design, with a geothermal system providing efficient heating and cooling, and a highly insulated building envelope to minimize energy consumption. In this way, the project becomes a true legacy home—one that will endure not only as a physical structure, but also as a physical manifestation of the family’s values. Ultimately, the home is a deeply personal expression where place, materiality, and family history find harmony.