For a client with an expanding portfolio of private residences, Modellus Novus is designing a 5,000-square-foot ground-up residence at Powder Haven in Utah. Conceived around its specific use, environmental performance, and preservation of the existing landscape, the residence reconsiders traditional notions of luxury as a machine for experiencing the outdoors and a casual gathering place for family and friends.
The design began with a close reading of the site. Topography, solar orientation, seasonal conditions, prevailing winds, mature vegetation, key views, and connections to Powder Mountain’s recreational trail network informed an architectural response rooted in the particular qualities of the landscape. Two compact structures connected by a passageway preserve mature trees and an open meadow of native wildflowers while creating direct connections between the house and the surrounding trails.
The architecture pairs a concrete and solid timber structure with a weathered steel rainscreen and expansive windows engineered for the mountain environment. Designed to Passive House standards, the residence prioritizes thermal performance, clean materials, efficient water use, and native landscaping to provide year-round comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
