Architects: CLB Architects
Project: Wyoming Family Compound
Project Team: John Carney, Matt Thackray, Maria James, Jennifer Mei, Jaye Infanger
Interior Design: Carney Logan Burke Architects with Owner
Landscape Architect: Hershberger Design
Location: Wilson, Wyoming, United States
Project Year 2017
Photographer: Matthew Millman
CLB Architects was tasked to design an entire compound for a young family relocating from the San Francisco Bay Area to Wilson, Wyoming. From siting and entry sequence to conceiving a full complement of primary and secondary structures — a 5,300-square-foot residence, guest house and gear barn with a pond, waterfall and landscaping — the architecture and interiors teams worked closely with the clients to bring all aspects of the project to fruition.
The site was level, treed with aspens and conifers. It enjoyed mountain views and proximity to town, but presented challenges in siting to take advantage of views while minimizing road noise and glimpses of neighboring homes. The clients envisioned a contemporary house with generous glazing and fresh interiors overlooking a naturalistic pond. Working within the design guidelines of the residential association, the main structure’s zinc panels, cedar planking and stone are mimicked in the smaller guest house set amidst the aspens a short distance away.
The primary residence takes shape in two volumes. The flat roofline of the mostly transparent single story — which encompasses the open plan kitchen/living/dining areas — extends over an outdoor living room anchored on either side by twin fireplace masses. The two-story residential volume houses bedrooms and utilities downstairs and the master suite upstairs to take advantage of enhanced views. The master suite’s sitting room with built-in daybed connects to the sitting room outside the childrens’ rooms via a floating bridge that passes above the home’s main entry.
Both of the home’s masses have protruding volumes clad in zinc panels, which add interest and depth to the design. On the two-story volume, these are contrasted with horizontal cedar cladding.
The interior design was a collaboration, with the homeowner and her mother, a retired interior designer, working in concert with CLB. Interiors are characterized by walnut floors, hemlock ceilings, beech veneer, and Frontier sandstone. Much thought went into the kitchen, pantry and bar design; the sizing of locally made custom elements like wood slab tables; and striking a balance between intimacy and the capacity to entertain large groups. The collaborative approach resulted in an open, airy, nature-inspired Wyoming family compound that makes the most of its site while meeting the needs of an active family.
