In the heart of Sun Valley, Idaho, where snow-laden mountains frame expansive skies, Studio Mountain’s H.M.L. project reveals itself as an extension of the land, rather than a disruption of it. Light pours through oversized metal-clad windows, amplifying the grain on white oak floors while illuminating the Italian calacatta viola marble with its distinctive purple veining. This interplay of light and material creates what designer Sierra Fox calls “visual harmony,” which, for her, is more so a narrative about permanence and impermanence in mountain architecture.
The project negotiates between high-performance requirements and artisanal techniques. The tadelakt showers – employing a centuries-old Moroccan plastering method – is evidence of traditional craft remaining relevant in contemporary contexts. Custom millwork by local craftsmen from Oak + Iron Customs elevates the residence with tailored functionality and warmth. This integration extends to the chef’s kitchen, where a 55″ Lacanche range sits alongside Fisher & Paykel appliances.
The challenge of creating intimacy within expansiveness was addressed through material layering – a strategic placement of textural elements like tumbled limestone tile against smoother surfaces to create perceptual depth, making large spaces feel appropriately scaled. This approach continues throughout the home, where the integration of natural finishes – reclaimed wood, nickel, flagstone, and roman clay – creates a material language that feels both welcoming and harmonious.
The residence focuses on a broader discourse regarding luxury and sustainability within the context of mountain architecture. Where earlier mountain homes often emphasized rustic materials in visually heavy compositions, this project employs natural elements with a lighter touch, allowing the surrounding landscape to provide the primary visual impact through those generously proportioned metal-clad windows.
For more information, please visit studio-mtn.com.
Photography by Aimee Mazzenga.
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