THE OPSREY HOUSE

This project has been particularly rewarding because we have known the owners for decades. Dubbe Moulder Architects had previously designed a barndominium for the couple, and they returned to us when they were ready to replace their existing house on the same property in Polo Ranches, south of Jackson, Wyoming. The owner had a unique vision: he wanted a house inspired by an osprey.

Ospreys are well-known raptors in the greater Teton area, easily recognized by their wide wingspans of up to 5 feet. They primarily feed on fish and typically build their nests in tall trees or on poles near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. As a local from Jackson Hole, the owner has his own fishing story of an osprey snagging a trout right out of his hands while he was reeling it in. This unique interaction cemented the idea of an osprey-themed home, inspiring our principal, Chris Moulder, to embark on this project.

Chris’s design places the heart of the home at the center of the house, which is shaped like an osprey in flight. This central area includes a Florida-style living room with a glass wall that opens to a covered deck, as well as the dining room, family/TV room, kitchen, pantry, laundry, and powder room. One of the angled “wings” of the house features an expansive master suite, complete with his and hers closets, water closets, and a bath with a wet room shower. Adjacent to the master bedroom is an exercise room equipped with a lap pool. The other wing of the structure houses an attached four-car garage.

High on the couple's design priorities are creating a home where they can age in place and ensuring abundant storage. The main floor is designed to be handicap accessible, with an elevator for easy access to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a flex room, theater, powder room, three guest suites, a cigar room, and a large storage room with three rows of built-in shelving.

The exterior of the home will feature a mix of vertical grey and horizontal brown siding, breaking up the mass of the house and highlighting its unique shape. Covered decks and patios will expand the living space, and a gable over the center can be interpreted as the osprey’s head and beak. The home will have a metal roof to match the already completed barndominium. Foundation work was completed in the fall of 2023, and we look forward to this project “taking flight” as construction continues in 2024.