Lookout

Copyright: Joe Fletcher Photography

A fire-resistive, zero-maintenance form grows from the hillside as a low-slung composition of insulated and doubled concrete walls, perforated steel rain screens, and 6-millimeter plate steel roofs. The building envelope inhabits the slope with equal parts refuge and prospect at 1,890 meters above sea level. Running perpendicular to the topography, the half earth-sheltered three-story house is organized along a narrow slot of access that mirrors the ski run and connects independently zoned territories within the house. Beginning with an excavated entry level, movement passes through glass the color of cooling magma, then up through a second public level that opens through the plan from north to south. The roof follows the slope, directing the eye up the mountain and down the valley. Retaining walls reach into the landscape, stopping short to allow the grade to pour into the terrace. Sleeping areas are hidden behind acoustically detailed, orchard-sourced, unfinished walnut screens that sheath floors, walls, and ceilings. Basalt floors continue the raw materiality of the boulders on site and an arrival ski slope leads directly into the house. Excavations were performed by hand where required to protect trees close to the house. Sustainability is focused on energy retention, with mass-heavy concrete walls, radiantly heated basalt floors, super insulated roof, enhanced glazing, and high-efficiency mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The form envelops the continuous space on the slope; this repetition of spatial behavior and native materiality connects the built space with the landscape that existed long before.