Family lodge breaks new ground for ski-in living

Vista, a ski-in, ski-out family lodge in Big Sky, Montana, is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards. The project, by CLB Architects, aims to harmonize a high-altitude home with its rocky alpine surroundings.

Perched on a steep scree field, the residence requires complex geoengineering. A series of micro-piles anchor the structure to the site, supporting an 11,000-square-foot footprint. From this raised position, the home offers expansive views of the valley and surrounding setting. The design team installed geothermal wells to manage heating and cooling costs and included a rainwater catchment system to filter runoff for setting irrigation.

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Privacy and light guide the home’s orientation. The structure centers on a subtracted courtyard. The east wing is partially buried in the limestone slope, with sedimentary layers of the site’s geology visible on the exterior. The upper level features Japanese shou sugi ban cedar and a large mass timber roof. This roof creates varying interior heights, ranging from 10 feet in the primary wing to 18 feet in the great room.

Visitors ascend through a limestone-ensconced courtyard on the lower level to reach the primary living space on the upper level. Whitewashed spruce walls frame views of Lone Peak. The lower level houses a family room, bunk room, wine cellar, garage, and a specialized ski room with a spa. The upper level divides into east and west wings. Three suites and a deck occupy the east, while a kitchen, dining room, and primary bedroom look toward Lone Peak to the northwest.

Material connections

Neutral tones of wood, steel, and stone create a sense of serenity. The design invokes the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or the spirit of hospitality. Custom millwork integrates seamlessly into walls, and a minimalist lighting scheme extends this sensitivity across every scale. A Pierre Yovanovitch sofa encourages conversation between the kitchen and living space.

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The great room features a monolithic, five-inch thick slab of Hermosa limestone as a hearth. This material choice grounds the structure. The formal dining room, described as a “zen den,” contrasts the rest of the home. It is richly appointed in dark wood and illuminated by a sculptural pendant light designed by Studio Drift. The room centers on a Pierre Yovanovitch dining table.

CLB Architects selected materials that blend the interior with the rugged outdoors. The surrounding area features a variety of natural elements, including grass and rock, which inform the color palette. The project uses locally sourced stone and timber to reduce the environmental impact of transporting heavy construction materials.