Nestled on a dramatic butte overlooking Jackson, Wyoming, the new Skyview residence designed by CLB Architects represents a masterful blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. The striking home appears to float above the valley floor, creating a seamless bridge between earth and sky while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Teton Range to the north and Sheep Mountain to the east.

The project emerged from a close collaborative relationship between CLB and a New York-based family seeking a western retreat that could serve multiple generations. "Our relationship with the homeowner is a huge part of this story," explains Eric Logan, Partner at CLB. "Because of the trust and rapport that we built over the years, we were able to challenge each other and ultimately arrive at a design we all feel proud of." The homeowner, originally from the East Coast, wanted something distinctly different from their formal New York residence – a space that would be more tactile, warm, and reflective of Wyoming's rugged natural landscape.

The architectural design embraces a philosophy of contrasts, balancing protection with openness and quiet contemplation with dramatic vistas. "You get to occupy the space between contrasts and enjoy them both," Logan notes. "The house sits between the quiet, contemplative courtyard, and expansive views to the valley below." This duality is evident throughout the 49-acre property, where local height restrictions necessitated stepping the structure into the hillside, ultimately becoming one of the project's defining characteristics.

The home's arrival experience begins with a carefully carved courtyard sheltered within the slope, creating an intimate introduction before dramatically opening to reveal the expansive mountain panoramas. Organized along a north-south axis, the residence's main level appears to float above the valley, housing the primary living, dining, and kitchen spaces that extend outward to capture the stunning mountain views. The lower level nestles naturally into the hillside below, accommodating three bedroom suites, two bunkrooms designed for younger family members, a comfortable lounge space, and an impressive wine cellar for entertaining.

A separate guesthouse provides additional accommodation for visiting family members, complete with bedrooms, living spaces, and wellness amenities. This thoughtful separation allows for multi-generational gatherings while maintaining privacy and independence for different family groups. The strategic placement of both structures maximizes the dramatic topography while respecting the natural contours of the land.

The material palette reflects a deep connection to the surrounding environment, with Montana-sourced stone wrapping both exterior and interior spaces to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. Warm cedar ceilings and rich walnut millwork add layers of natural texture and warmth throughout the home, while blackened steel panels provide a refined contemporary edge to fireplaces and built-in elements. These carefully selected materials echo the dramatic Wyoming landscape while reinforcing the balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern detailing.

"We combined natural materials like leather, wood, and stone with custom furniture that relates to details throughout the interior architecture," explains Sarah Kennedy, interior designer at CLB. "We incorporated rich cedar and walnut to connect with a traditional aesthetic, but played off these luxurious textures with more refined, modern details." The design team deliberately moved away from the prevalent Scandinavian-inspired trends in modern home design, instead embracing a cozier, more inviting approach that celebrates the unique character of the American West.

Craftsmanship defines every aspect of the project, from major architectural elements down to the smallest decorative details. A sculptural curving light installation illuminates the entry stairwell, while a hand-crafted dining table serves as the centerpiece for family gatherings. Custom-designed rugs reference the unique topography of the Snake River Valley, and even the lighting fixtures were specifically created to echo regional features such as meandering rivers and traditional lasso loops used by local ranchers.

The interior color palette embraces the shifting hues of the Wyoming landscape, incorporating earthy sage greens, warm ochres, and burnt orange tones that change with the seasons and time of day. This carefully grounded palette ensures that the dramatic mountain views remain the primary focal point throughout the residence, while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for family life.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were integral to the design from the beginning, with CLB implementing a comprehensive geothermal system, high-performance insulation, and a meticulously sealed building envelope to ensure optimal performance in both Wyoming's harsh winters and pleasant summers. The architects envisioned the Skyview residence as a true legacy home – a place designed to last for generations while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing year-round livability for the growing family.

The project represents CLB's continued commitment to creating architecture that responds sensitively to its environment while meeting the complex needs of modern family life. By combining traditional regional materials with contemporary design sensibilities, the Skyview residence establishes a new benchmark for luxury mountain architecture that honors both the dramatic Wyoming landscape and the evolving needs of multi-generational families seeking connection with nature.