The Wasatch Range Retreat by CLB
CLB’s Wasatch Range Retreat, situated in Morgan County, Utah, USA, artfully integrates with the surrounding hillside topography. Respecting the site’s strict height limits, the structure mimics the landscape’s crests and divots, making it difficult to fully comprehend upon first approach. Designed as a vacation retreat for an energetic family, the 11,800 square-foot residence offers immersive access to the mountain lifestyle, balancing privacy with communal spaces.
The Wasatch Range Retreat positioning optimizes its engagement with the surrounding scenery, natural daylight, and expansive valley views. Set within a natural clearing, the structure’s orientation along existing pathways minimizes ecological disturbance. Solar studies played a crucial role in the design process, optimizing interior comfort by leveraging heat gain from the west, minimizing harsh exposure, and incorporating natural ventilation and shading systems.
Initially presenting as a modest single-story structure, the residence gradually reveals itself to occupants upon entry. Centered around a spacious outdoor living area, the two wings of the home are connected by a glass-lined gallery aligned with the entrance, serving as a display area for the clients’ growing art collection. The southern wing houses public spaces, including a large kitchen, living and dining areas, and a cozy family room and bar with views towards the ski hill, facilitating easy access after a day on the slopes.
The northern wing contains private spaces, including four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a double-height stairway to the lower level, all opening to dramatic valley vistas. The lower level features a recreation room, gym, guest lounge, two additional bedrooms, a bunkroom, and a specialized gear garage, providing ample space for the family’s expanding interests. The Wasatch Range Retreat is designed as an elegant outcropping that echoes its rugged environment.
The restrained material palette continues indoors, locally-reclaimed stone leads to the front door, gestural travertine accents, and custom oak millwork enhance the kitchen, while board-formed concrete fireplaces in the living and primary bedroom areas draw lines up from the foundation, framing the outdoor living space. Sleek steel-framed windows subtly delineate the flow between the domestic interior and the wilderness beyond.
Full-height glass sliding doors in the living room open to a covered courtyard with a sunken seating area and freestanding fire feature, creating a new interaction zone where daily life can extend outdoors. On the far edge of the property, a soaking tub recessed into rock appears as if naturally formed by geologic forces. The Wasatch Range Retreat furnishings are curated to respond to larger design decisions and their elemental purpose, with no extraneous details.
All Images Credit: CLB
Website: https://clbarchitects.com/
