From Our Editor: High-Country Heroes

Photo: Courtesy of Darla Worden

EACH YEAR in our January/February issue, we honor the top architects in the Mountain West, creating our list from recommendations received from readers, staff, photographers and designers; you’ll find this year’s directory. It has been my privilege to work with many firms on the list who have taught me so much about architecture—their knowledge and passion as they reimagine the Mountain West provides ongoing inspiration for our editorial team.

Our feature homes offer a close-up look at three distinctly different styles of mountain architecture, beginning with a contemporary residence in Aspen’s Double Bar X Ranch by Zone 4 Architects and influenced by the work of Swiss-French starchitect Le Corbusier. An architectural masterpiece sited on 3.5 acres with floor to-ceiling glass bringing the outdoors in, the home gains authentic hygge warmth and comfort from interiors by Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon.

Montana’s Yellowstone Club is the setting for a one-of-a-kind home designed by Reid Smith Architects in keeping with its alpine surroundings but with a surprise inside. The Australian homeowners wanted to bring the fun to their mountain getaway, requesting a tubular slide that winds its way from the third-floor office through the main level to the tricked-out lower level recreation area. Creating a polished version of a working slide that fits with the home’s luxurious-yet-livable style involved epic teamwork among the architect, builder Big Sky Build, and interior designers WRJ Design.

For our third feature, at Lake Tahoe’s Martis Camp, Marsden Architects envisioned a Mountain Modern home that melds into the surrounding landscape in an innovative pavilion style divided into sections for privacy and entertaining. A guest wing connects via an enclosed glass hallway to the main house, where there are expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces for gathering.

In the words of Le Corbusier, “You employ stone, wood and concrete and with these materials you build houses and palaces. That is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, you do me good, I am happy and I say: This is beautiful. That is architecture.” Cheers to the architects who touch our hearts, building “houses and palaces” throughout the Mountain West. P.S. I don’t need to remind you that it’s ski season!

Please join me in the snow dance for great snow!

Darla Worden
Editor in Chief