Journal

Crafting a Modern Mountain Retreat: Before & After

News | November, 2020

Located in Jackson, Wyoming, this existing home is situated on the West Gros Ventre Butte with views of the Tetons and valley below. Through a complete renovation, Northworks was able to modernize the home’s design while maintaining the integrity and stature. The clients, who reside on Chicago’s North Shore, sought to restore this home to emphasize a strong connection to nature, uncluttered space, and a refined material palette. New cedar siding, modern blackened steel elements, and large expanses of glass give this home a fresh, updated feeling. All renovations exemplify their main purpose to make this vacation home perfect for all family and visiting guests.

Before
After

Built in the 1990s, the design goal of this home renovation project was to revamp and modernize its aesthetic and function, in close alignment with the needs of the client. The original structure was kept intact except for an expansion at the Primary Bedroom.

With input from the client and the property’s interior design team, the bedroom becomes an area of relaxation and respite. The refreshed material selection, furnishings, and layout maximize client desires. The addition of double sliding doors on both sides of the bedroom creates an indoor-outdoor use space, embodying a core goal of the renovation.
An office space connects to the primary bedroom, creating a buffer zone between the bedroom and the rest of the home.

Before
Valley View Residence 2

This renovation prioritizes the creation of a bright and open retreat to maximize views of the surrounding landscape. The original structure consisting only of small windows constitutes the main goal to open up the room further. The addition of large glass windows oriented to face the mountainous property fulfills the goal entirely. The minimalistic panel style of the sliding doors creates a smooth transition from indoor to outdoor living. The ceiling is increased to maximum height, creating a strong visual connection between landscaping and the adjacent living room. Adding a light wood finish to the sloped ceilings creates softness throughout the space that didn’t previously exist. This room allows people to gather and enjoy the views simultaneously perfect for after a long day of skiing to cozy up by the fire while maintaining sight of the glorious snow-capped peaks.

Before
After

Keeping view of the surroundings is a priority in all main living spaces, and the kitchen is no exception. Expansive and thoughtfully-located, windows uphold the connection to the landscape as the resident moves throughout the house. With no upper cabinetry, the kitchen remains uncluttered as it expands into the living room. This seamless connection creates a harmonious space that provides balance and function.

The addition of a mudroom is a must for any mountain retreat. It’s somewhere to unload after a long day of skiing that will not clutter the rest of the house. This extra storage provides a place to keep ski gear, hats, coats, and all other outdoor necessities. Perfect for a bustling family to remain organized while keeping the rest of the house tidy.