SLATER RESIDENCE
Contemporary flair and geometry
Jackson, Wyoming • 2,297sq. ft.
Design Team: Chris Moulder, AIA; Bryan Gleason, Mackenzie King
This 2,300 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home sits on a 1/8 acre lot within a subdivision. Space management on the property was a critical aspect of the project, as it is with any tightly nested suburban development. The small lot and closely packed neighboring properties dictated that the garage would take up the streetscape, while the back of the lot afforded views to open space and privacy, informing the plan to have the living spaces at the back of the home.
To maximize the square footage in the house, our solution was to locate the front door on the side of the house so that it didn’t take up valuable square footage with the need for a hallway to get to the back of the property. Far from being “hidden”, the entry is called out by a covered entry, which is imperative in this mountain environment to protect one from the weather and the accumulation of snow outside the door.
Storage space for all the toys to enjoy in the mountains is also essential so the garage is oversized to have room for skis and helmets, fishing and camping gear, kayaks and bikes as well as the lawn mower and snow blower.
On the interior, the trick was to convince the mind that you are experiencing a space that is greater than what it actually may be: we created the design incorporating high ceilings and vaulted spaces where possible with an open floor plan to make the home feel large. In a small sized footprint, every inch counts so the kitchen features counter seating to give the owners optional places to dine or provide buffet space for entertaining. Details such as an open staircases with metal rails that you can see through add to an airy feeling as do the white walls contrasted with the wood floors which give a feeling of richness.
Most important in designing the home for this specific lot, was to bring the outside in, introduce natural light and make the most of view opportunities while shielding views of neighboring properties. There are beautiful views from this property, particularly to the north where the garage is located. Since we couldn't utilize that view from the first floor, we created an elevated observation deck over the garage for the master bedroom, providing a wonderful panorama of not only the neighborhood, but the surrounding mountain views as well. On the first floor, the living room’s southern orientation has the benefit of abundant sunlight as well as a scene of the dedicated open space.
The direction from the homeowners was for their home to have a contemporary flair which was accomplished with the basic geometry of the mass, the way we incorporated reclaimed siding, the railing details both inside and out, and the application of an industrial steel beam over the kitchen. Corner windows that provide a more panoramic vista of the mountains also lean toward a more dynamic design. Those things along with the owners own touches of whimsy like trimming out windows with used skis make this home uniquely theirs.