Project Description
At an elevation of 9,000 ft. above sea level, the site of this modern chalet is an alpine meadow at the base of an inclined ridge 4,000 ft. below the summit of one of North America’s highest mountain peaks. The property, surrounded by a Lodgepole pine forest, includes a sensitive wetland ecosystem at one end and the remnants of an exploratory pit mine at the other.
The main space of the three-bedroom, three-bath family retreat is glazed on three sides allowing a blurring of inside and out and providing expansive views of the rugged mountain ridge beyond and the meadow below. The fire-resistant exterior is clad in weathered, corrugated steel, taking cues from the nearby mining and mill structures and providing a mottled finish sympathetic to the color of the lodgepole pine trunks in the adjacent forest. Inside, polished concrete floors complement a subtle palette of crisp, white surfaces and wood fittings. A wood-burning fireplace is included in the open-concept living space. The main level of the house is elevated above the garage and service level in order to gain full views of the meadow, and places the extensive glazing above the snow line during winter storms. A 10 kilowatt rooftop solar array achieves near net-zero performance by offsetting a majority of the power needed for the all-electric heating and LED lighting system.