Sky House
A luxury mountain retreat, Sky House offers sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the Grand Teton Natural Reserve. With architecture by Kt814 and interiors by Dieter Vander Velpen Architects, the minimalist home reflects both a European and Japanese approach to design.
Nestled on a ridge overlooking the valley, Sky House departs from the typical style of a Jackson Hole residence. Instead of a traditional log cabin, the structure embodies a contemporary passive house with large glass walls on either side. Its transparent quality speaks to a European design inspiration, emphasising openness, indoor-outdoor spaces and the integration of nature into the residential experience. The home comprises the main house and the guest house, joined by a central garage and serene sky terrace complete with a jacuzzi. While the ground floor contains the mudroom, children’s bedrooms and gym, the first floor supports the main communal spaces. The living, kitchen and dining areas are set across a semi-open plan where sliding walls and pocket doors – references to the clients’ love of Japanese design – create a flexible family environment. In the nearby primary suite, space flows even more freely with the bedroom, dressing area and bathroom presenting uninterrupted views of the valley.
Throughout Sky House, natural materials are celebrated as luxurious anchors to the landscape. Light oak, blackened steel and stone establish a warm, textural palette – the timber floors, ceilings and millwork reflect a focus on craftmanship, while the steel detailing balances the lightness of the material, producing a grounded, liveable outcome. The stone elements include a travertine kitchen island with a fluted side and honed top as well as a Pietra Vesuvius fireplace. Specially developed for the project, the volcanic stone is both warm and soft underfoot, reinforcing the tactile connection to the earth. Suede sofas and vintage furnishings enhance the sense of material comfort. In an homage to traditional Japanese screens, wooden slats are also incorporated to define spaces according to feng shui principles. These natural dividers accommodate the needs for privacy and togetherness, optimising the flow of energy and embracing the calming nature of the minimalist style. In the guest house, natural travertine tiles serve a related purpose, acting as understated complements to a Japanese soaking tub.
A refreshing twist on the local design vernacular, Sky House champions contemporary minimalism in harmony with the landscape. Taking cues from the built form, Dieter Vander Velpen Architects created a timeless interior where nature is prioritised throughout.
Architecture by Kt814. Interior design by Dieter Vander Velpen Architects. Build by Bontecou Construction. Landscape design by Agrostis.
