VESTRUP RESIDENCE
A "shotgun" plan for a concert pianist’s inspiration
Jackson, Wyoming • 2,508 sq. ft.
Design Team: Chris Moulder, AIA; Bryan Gleason, Nereida Ortiz
This particular home was designed for a .22 acre pie-shaped perimeter lot in a subdivision within a subdivision located on the outskirts of a resort community. With stunning vistas of nearby ranch lands, common spaces for residents of the subdivision to enjoy as well as distant views of rolling hills and mountain features to the west and northwest, this tiny, odd shaped parcel offers tremendous opportunity.
By virtue of the compressed street frontage, it became necessary to present the 2-car garage to the cul-de-sac and the living, dining, kitchen portion of the program be arranged toward the back of the property facing the open space. Due to the nature of the lot shape, it became apparent that a “shotgun” approach may be appropriate, meaning that the kitchen, dining and living spaces are accessed off of a circulation spine which culminates at a grand piano poised in front of large windows displaying a wide panorama of the distant mountains.
The owner, a concert pianist, required a space from which he could not only practice and be inspired, but to be able to feel the grandeur of the music being played and also be intimate enough to play for a select group of friends. The space dramatically soars upward as you approach, filling the space with light, view, color but more importantly, sound.
The 1,876 square foot first floor includes the open music space, living, and dining areas, the kitchen, a study, and two ensuite bedrooms. The laundry is just off the kitchen, in the mudroom where one enters the home from the garage.
Finishes are clean and contemporary; the white walls keeping the spaces light and airy while the dark wood floors impart richness. Of special note is the stairway with its steel cable railing.
A spacious master suite occupies the 632 square-foot second floor and includes an entire wall of shelving dedicated for the owner’s library. The well-thought out master bath has two vanities separated from the bathroom which includes both a walk-in shower as well as a tub.
High windows provide natural light and views but afford privacy. Off the master bedroom is a deck for contemplation with commanding views of the mountains range to the west. It’s a great place to read a book or for the owners to enjoy a glass of wine and conversation while taking in a beautiful sunset.