The site is located in the valley floor on the banks of the Wood River in Sun Valley, Idaho and has commanding views of the surrounding mountains. The 100 year flood plain required that the house be located approximately 600 feet from the river. The site had an existing barn, shop, and pasture. The client demolished the barn and kept the shop.
The existing tree canopy on the site inspired the idea of a large floating roof lifted high to provide shade and cover without cropping the views. Prominent mountain ravines inspired the roof shape. The roof was set on a series of glu-lam beams with composite steel & glu-lam columns and extended well beyond the house to cover outdoor terrace areas while creating the canopy effect. Large steel frame windows extend floor to ceiling to open the views and allow the roof to float.
The central living area is 2 story and flanked on each side with the master suite/ exercise/ yoga area on the north and the garage/ guest suites on the south. The 2 story living area is totally open on the east and west to capture the mountain views and blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Board formed concrete plinths create a maintenance free base for the elevated exercise/ yoga room and guest suites above. The sod roofs give these elevated spaces nice terraces and a connection to earth. Small sections of cedar siding bring warmth to the palette while hardwood floors, natural stone, and cedar ceilings bring warmth to the interior. Terraces extend the living area beyond the house and water from the abundant aquafer is used for a pleasant water feature.
Triple pane glass and super insulation (R-30 walls and R-60 roofs) create the thermal envelope. The house is heated and cooled with hydronic radiant floors by a ground source heat pump. The heat pump also supports a supplemental forced air system that provides fresh air and moderates the severe temperature swings. HRV’s help maintain fresh air throughout the house. Water is extracted from the high water table to supply energy for the ground source heat pump then mixed with surface water to create the water feature that surrounds the house.
The house fits seemlessly with its natural surrounding and creates a strong connect with its Owner‘s to the beautiful site they selected.
Material Used :
1. Thermomass - Board Formed Insulated Concrete Walls – poured in place
2. Brombal – Steel Windows & Doors
3. Fibertite – Single Ply Membrane Roofing
4. International Marble & Granite – Exterior terraces
5. Western Red Cedar – Exterior Siding, Soffits, and Ceilings – Grade A Clear
6. Kohler –Plumbing Fixtures
7. Grohe – Plumbing Fittings – Concetto Series
8. WAC/ RSA/ Belfer/ Bruck – Light Fixtures
