Imagine escaping the Miami heat for a serene mountain retreat – a place where luxury takes a backseat to nature and family connection. That's precisely what a young family sought when they commissioned CLB Architects to design the Caju House in Wyoming. But here's where it gets interesting: they wanted simplicity, not extravagance, in one of the most sought-after resort locations in the US.
Nestled at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, in Teton Village, the family acquired a rare, largely untouched plot of land. This wasn't just any piece of real estate; it was a dramatic landscape with stunning views of the mountains and Snake River Valley. They envisioned a home that felt both intimate and welcoming, a place where they and their guests could truly unwind and reconnect with each other and the outdoors. The core of their brief to CLB Architects was a desire for a home designed for the essentials, prioritizing practicality and natural materials over opulent displays.
The architects responded with a design that cleverly addresses the sloping terrain. The Caju House is essentially two rectangular volumes arranged in an L-shape. The longer section, topped with a classic gabled roof, spans two stories, while the shorter section is a single-story structure with a flat roof. To minimize disruption to the landscape, the shorter volume gently rests on the earth, partially supported by columns. This approach ensured minimal tree removal and site disturbance.
And this is the part most people miss: the house is not just on the land; it's integrated with it. The architecture feels both grounded and as if it's gracefully hovering above the landscape, a testament to the thoughtful design considerations.
The exterior of the Caju House is clad in Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, a material chosen for its earthy tones and ability to develop a beautiful, protective rust-like patina over time. The name "Caju" itself is a nod to this material, as it's the Portuguese name for cashew, a Brazilian fruit with an orange shell reminiscent of the Corten steel's color. But there's more than just aesthetics at play here. This material choice speaks to the family's desire for a home that blends seamlessly with its surroundings and ages gracefully.
To break up the expanses of steel, the architects incorporated carved-out sections lined with warm-toned larch wood. This provides a visually appealing contrast and highlights the sculptural form of the building. The material palette is deliberately restrained: steel, wood, and concrete. These materials are not only durable and low-maintenance, but they also possess a natural beauty that aligns with the family's values.
Inside the 3,250-square-foot (302-square-meter) home, you'll find a combination of cozy, intimate spaces and expansive windows that capture the breathtaking views. The ground floor houses practical elements like a garage, mudroom, laundry room, and gym. The upper level, where the views are most impressive, is dedicated to communal living areas, the primary bedroom, and three additional bedrooms.
A perforated stainless steel staircase connects the two floors, allowing natural light to filter through and creating a sense of openness. The interior finishes mirror the exterior's earthy and industrial aesthetic. Larch wood, the same material used for exterior accents, clads interior walls and ceilings, creating a cohesive and holistic environment. This wood is complemented by concrete floors and stainless-steel accents, adding a touch of refinement to the overall design.
The connection to the outdoors is further enhanced by several thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A recessed balcony off the kitchen provides a private outdoor retreat, while a rear deck constructed of metal grating offers a place to soak in the surrounding scenery. The architects even incorporated existing aspen trees into the design, creating a cutout in the deck that allows the trees to grow through it, seamlessly blending the built environment with nature.
CLB Architects has a strong portfolio of projects in Wyoming, including other residences that demonstrate their expertise in creating homes that are both beautiful and responsive to their environment. But here's a question for you: does the Caju House strike the right balance between modern design and rustic simplicity? Does the use of Corten steel feel appropriate in this mountain setting, or does it lean too far toward an industrial aesthetic? And what do you think about the emphasis on "essentials rather than excess" in a luxury resort location? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
