Header: Matt Winquist
Perched high within the Powder Mountain Ski Resort in Utah, a new mountain sanctuary stands as a lesson in precision and cultural appreciation. Designed by Sparano + Mooney Architecture, the home was shaped by the owners’ deep interest in Japanese design. Rather than following typical alpine tropes, the architects looked toward Kirigami, the Japanese art of cutting and folding paper, to dictate the form of this ski-in/ski-out residence.
Metal skin built for the elements
The exterior of the house is wrapped in a custom, bent-metal TEKKō™ steel cladding. This material, a tough composite of steel and zinc, was chosen specifically because it can handle the brutal mountain weather. The metal folds around the upper floor and into the central courtyard, using standing seams that transition into the corners.
Some parts of this steel skin are solid and opaque, while others are perforated to let light filter through. This choice of material is practical; the site sits at a high elevation and faces harsh conditions, including winds reaching 110 mph and an average yearly snowfall of 225 inches. The metal skin protects the structure while echoing the sharp, clean lines of folded paper against the white snow.
Designing for every generation
The floor plan was created with a clear focus on the future. The owners wanted a space that could work for people of all ages, including their parents. This led to a layout that supports “ageing in place.” Visitors can enter through the garage into a corridor where an elevator waits to take them straight to the main living area and kitchen.
The interior follows a crisp, modern look. Most of the rooms feature hem fir finishes, rift white oak cabinets, and polished concrete floors. In the kitchen, the designers left out any ceiling-hung cabinets or light fixtures. This keeps the sightlines clear across the room. For more intense cooking or entertaining, there is a separate scullery kitchen and a small bar located near the media room.
Onsen and private quarters
While most of the house uses concrete and oak, the “onsen” area, a Japanese-style bath space, switches to cedar and stone. The cedar was picked for its specific scent and look, creating a different atmosphere from the rest of the home.
The primary suite offers a high level of privacy. It sits five feet above the main floor on its own level and includes a steam shower and a private deck. On the main level, the dining room uses a large sliding door system to open the indoor space directly to the courtyard, making the most of the short mountain summers.
Energy and insulation in a remote setting
Living in a remote location requires a smart approach to energy. The home is not connected to a standard gas line; instead, it runs entirely on propane. Heat is delivered through an efficient radiant system under the floors. To keep the building warm in the winter, the walls are packed with layers of rock-wall insulation and spray foam, while the roof has a massive insulation rating of R-70.
The roof itself is covered in a white PVC material designed to reflect sunlight. During the warmer months, large roof overhangs on the south side block the hottest sun, and windows are placed to allow for natural cooling breezes. For emergencies, the house is equipped with two Tesla Power Walls to keep things running during power cuts, along with a dedicated charging station for electric cars.
Sustainable siting
The architects aimed to leave the surrounding landscape as untouched as possible. By stacking the levels and carefully placing the building on the plot, they managed to provide views of the terrain without disrupting the native ground. It is a house built to be a permanent fixture in a changing environment, using the geometry of paper-folding to stand firm against the Utah wind.
The Winter Retreat by Sparano + Mooney Architecture used the principles of Kirigami to guide the metalwork and planning for the needs of a multi-generational family. The firm has created a house that is as much about longevity as it is about style. It is a sturdy, well-insulated shelter that respects its environment while providing a highly functional space for its inhabitants.
Source: v2com-newswire
