A two-story residence located on a sloped site with views to the north, west, and south. The residence features modern details and vaulted spaces including a curved roof supported by glulam beams. Our design philosophy is to respond to the particular site and design the appropriate residence for that site based on our client's needs. This project provided a unique opportunity to design a one-of-a-kind custom residence that responded specifically to the available views on the site and work with a client who wished to build a unique home. Not every project is like this one, but we use the same design philosophy for each project. The lot for this project is located in the northeastern part of the Powder Horn Ranch development south of Sheridan, Wyoming. The slope and shape of the lot dictated a two story residence with a garage and living space built into the hillside on the lower level and the main living spaces on the upper level to take advantage of the view. Where appropriate, we instruct the survey crew to locate the view corridors from the site for design purposes and this site contained seven different view corridors. We also had nearby homes located so that we can control the views to and from those considered in the design process. The initial program goals for the residence was for a 2,500 square foot, four bedroom residence with open living spaces, a large three car garage, extensive use of glass to highlight the views, and an energy efficient design. As we worked through the conceptual design, it became clear that the square footage goal was too constricting for the spacial relationships and volumes the client wanted for their new home. After some discussion on what was important and the implications to the project budget, it was decided to increase the square footage. The residence ended up at 3,270 square feet of living space with all the areas and amenities our client wanted. Since the client was living out of state during the design and construction of their new home, the majority of the design work was done via the internet through e-mail and online meetings. Due to the busy schedules and travel costs, the client visited Sheridan only occasionally during the design and construction process which spanned over three years. We made extensive use of 3D modeling to convey design ideas, use and location of exterior materials, and also confirm passive solar design aspects of the final design. After a number of design iterations and extensive collaboration and feedback from the client, the main level floor plan included all the spaces needed for their daily living. Part of our design consideration was to provide a floor plan which would allow for living on just a single level as the clients aged. The main level included the living, kitchen, and dining areas on the south side to take advantage of the views and solar heating in the winter months. The master suite, including a bedroom, walk-in closet, and bath with whirlpool tub, shower, double vanities, and toilet room are located on the north and are more private. Between the living areas and master suite is a laundry/craftroom, powder room, closet, space for a future residential elevator that is used for storage, and mechanical chase. A large deck wraps around the west and south side of the living room, and a patio with gas grill and fireplace is located on the east with access from the dining and master bedroom. The lower level, which is built into the hillside, includes the remaining living spaces and garage. Two bedrooms are located on the west with access to a patio below the deck. One is used as a bedroom and the other as a home office. The third bedroom is located on the south side and is used as an exercise room. A single, large bathroom is located on this level. A mudroom, large storage area, mechanical room, and space for the residential elevator complete this level. The exterior is finished with stone, stucco, corrugated steel siding, glulam beams, powder coated steel columns, asphalt shingles, and a standing seam metal roof. These materials were chosen for their aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. Large roof overhangs were incorporated to provide ample shade on the large windows in the summer while still allowing plenty of winter sun for light and warmth. What sets this home apart is the curved roof which is very unique to Sheridan County. The curved roof covers the living, kitchen, and dining, and is supported by glulam beams. The original design concept for the curved roof came about early in the design process and was refined over time as the client decided that is what they really wanted for their home instead of a typical pitched roof. This played an important role in the selection of a general contractor. We encourage our clients to involve a general contractor in the design process. If the client has not already selected a general contractor we help them interview a few companies and ask those companies to provide a construction estimate based on a set of preliminary design plans before we start on the construction documents. With this residence, some general contractors expressed concern about the potential increased cost due to the unique form of the roof and encouraged our clients to do something more typical. However, there were two contractors who were not concerned about the form of the roof and provided constructive ideas on potentially more economical ways to build the roof. Our client flew into Sheridan to meet with the general contractors who expressed interest in building the home and selected a builder. As we moved ahead with the construction documents, the builder provided cost saving ideas and cost information. When appropriate, we incorporated these revisions into the design with the client's approval. Once construction began, the client hired Mountain West Group to provide additional construction administration to oversee the project on their behalf. This mainly included providing them with timely construction updates and photos, materials and finishes research and selection, and coordination with the general contractor and others. Through the teamwork of the client, the builder, and Mountain West Group, we were able to complete this home on budget and in time for the clients to move in once they retired. For more information about what Mountain West Group can do for you, call or e-mail.

A two-story residence located on a sloped site with views to the north, west, and south. The residence features modern details and vaulted spaces including a curved roof supported by glulam beams. Our design philosophy is to respond to the particular site and design the appropriate residence for that site based on our client's needs. This project provided a unique opportunity to design a one-of-a-kind custom residence that responded specifically to the available views on the site and work with a client who wished to build a unique home. Not every project is like this one, but we use the same design philosophy for each project. The lot for this project is located in the northeastern part of the Powder Horn Ranch development south of Sheridan, Wyoming. The slope and shape of the lot dictated a two story residence with a garage and living space built into the hillside on the lower level and the main living spaces on the upper level to take advantage of the view. Where appropriate, we instruct the survey crew to locate the view corridors from the site for design purposes and this site contained seven different view corridors. We also had nearby homes located so that we can control the views to and from those considered in the design process. The initial program goals for the residence was for a 2,500 square foot, four bedroom residence with open living spaces, a large three car garage, extensive use of glass to highlight the views, and an energy efficient design. As we worked through the conceptual design, it became clear that the square footage goal was too constricting for the spacial relationships and volumes the client wanted for their new home. After some discussion on what was important and the implications to the project budget, it was decided to increase the square footage. The residence ended up at 3,270 square feet of living space with all the areas and amenities our client wanted. Since the client was living out of state during the design and construction of their new home, the majority of the design work was done via the internet through e-mail and online meetings. Due to the busy schedules and travel costs, the client visited Sheridan only occasionally during the design and construction process which spanned over three years. We made extensive use of 3D modeling to convey design ideas, use and location of exterior materials, and also confirm passive solar design aspects of the final design. After a number of design iterations and extensive collaboration and feedback from the client, the main level floor plan included all the spaces needed for their daily living. Part of our design consideration was to provide a floor plan which would allow for living on just a single level as the clients aged. The main level included the living, kitchen, and dining areas on the south side to take advantage of the views and solar heating in the winter months. The master suite, including a bedroom, walk-in closet, and bath with whirlpool tub, shower, double vanities, and toilet room are located on the north and are more private. Between the living areas and master suite is a laundry/craftroom, powder room, closet, space for a future residential elevator that is used for storage, and mechanical chase. A large deck wraps around the west and south side of the living room, and a patio with gas grill and fireplace is located on the east with access from the dining and master bedroom. The lower level, which is built into the hillside, includes the remaining living spaces and garage. Two bedrooms are located on the west with access to a patio below the deck. One is used as a bedroom and the other as a home office. The third bedroom is located on the south side and is used as an exercise room. A single, large bathroom is located on this level. A mudroom, large storage area, mechanical room, and space for the residential elevator complete this level. The exterior is finished with stone, stucco, corrugated steel siding, glulam beams, powder coated steel columns, asphalt shingles, and a standing seam metal roof. These materials were chosen for their aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. Large roof overhangs were incorporated to provide ample shade on the large windows in the summer while still allowing plenty of winter sun for light and warmth. What sets this home apart is the curved roof which is very unique to Sheridan County. The curved roof covers the living, kitchen, and dining, and is supported by glulam beams. The original design concept for the curved roof came about early in the design process and was refined over time as the client decided that is what they really wanted for their home instead of a typical pitched roof. This played an important role in the selection of a general contractor. We encourage our clients to involve a general contractor in the design process. If the client has not already selected a general contractor we help them interview a few companies and ask those companies to provide a construction estimate based on a set of preliminary design plans before we start on the construction documents. With this residence, some general contractors expressed concern about the potential increased cost due to the unique form of the roof and encouraged our clients to do something more typical. However, there were two contractors who were not concerned about the form of the roof and provided constructive ideas on potentially more economical ways to build the roof. Our client flew into Sheridan to meet with the general contractors who expressed interest in building the home and selected a builder. As we moved ahead with the construction documents, the builder provided cost saving ideas and cost information. When appropriate, we incorporated these revisions into the design with the client's approval. Once construction began, the client hired Mountain West Group to provide additional construction administration to oversee the project on their behalf. This mainly included providing them with timely construction updates and photos, materials and finishes research and selection, and coordination with the general contractor and others. Through the teamwork of the client, the builder, and Mountain West Group, we were able to complete this home on budget and in time for the clients to move in once they retired. For more information about what Mountain West Group can do for you, call or e-mail.