Architects: Imbue Design
Project: Modern Benches Home
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Living Space : 3,570 Square Feet
Photographer: Courtesy of Imbue Design
Description by architect: In the Olympus Cove neighborhood of Salt Lake City one runs into a dilemma… one that an architect loves to have: to the east towers the majestic Mount Olympus adorned with shrub oak and mountain mahogany; down to the west the serene Salt Lake Valley lays before you hemmed in by the Oquirrh mountains wearing a sunset crown. East? West? Where do you focus? Where do you nestle your chair?
On top. The home’s rooftop deck offers a 360 degree panorama that includes the Wasatch mountain range, the Oquirrh mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and down town Salt Lake City.
To enhance the view on the interior, the roof line starts low and flat and gradually increases its incline, swooping up and out toward the city view.
Viewing decks off the living spaces nestle into trees to offer a shaded alternative to the roof deck.
On the interior, spaces are defined by volumes rather than walls. The kitchen, living room, and office spatial divisions are created by a wood slatted stair well. The master bathroom is separated from the closet by an outdoor bathing court. The family room is separated from the patio by a fully glazed sun room.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you sit. Every seat in the house is the best.
