ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS Mountain House
Bridging Nature and Art with Modern and Innovative Design for a Contemporary Ski House
Designed By:
David Howell
Alta, Utah
Architectural Designs
4,400 Sq. Ft.
Alta, a small ski town near Salt Lake City, is renowned for its extreme snowfall, averaging over 40 feet annually. At 8,500 feet, it offers an ideal setting for a winter retreat, attracting a New York client seeking a thoughtfully designed ski house by DHD. The house features two concrete forms, “tube” and “crystal,” connected by a glass bridge, cleverly offset to enhance views of the surrounding mountains.
The solid facade faces the street, while expansive windows in the living area and music room frame stunning alpine vistas. Constructed primarily of concrete, the design incorporates custom mixes to withstand harsh conditions, resulting in a five-year build due to winter constraints. The serene interior showcases a collection of 20th and 21st-century architectural pieces against a backdrop of textural concrete walls, Douglas Fir accents, and a striking wood-burning stove, creating a harmonious blend of artistry and nature.
