A striking holiday home nestled in the forested slopes of Teton Village, Wyoming, demonstrates how rigorous simplicity and a profound connection to the surrounding landscape can create an exceptional living experience. Designed by CLB Architects for a young Miami family with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, this mountain retreat embraces essential living while serving as their summer getaway at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The home, known as Caju Residence, sits in an elevated position within one of Western America's most dramatic landscapes. Teton Village unfolds into the expansive Teton Range, characterized by dense timber, rugged topography, and scattered boulders that define this archetypal mountain terrain. The natural setting immediately appealed to the owners, who sought a second home where they could escape during the warmer months.
According to Eric Logan, a partner at CLB Architects who was commissioned to design the project, the owners envisioned an intimate and welcoming house where their family and occasional guests could connect and unwind. The design philosophy emphasized living simply, focusing on essentials over excess, practicality over embellishment, and natural materials over anything fussy or elaborate.
The project's origin story reveals an interesting dynamic between client and architect. "When the owner first contacted us, he was apologetic about the design of the home," Logan recalls. However, once the client shared his design brief, the architects found compelling reasons to take on the project. "There were a lot of solid precedents that resonated with us, which ultimately convinced us to take on the project," Logan explains.
The residence exemplifies material honesty, a design principle that celebrates the authentic characteristics of natural building materials rather than disguising or artificially enhancing them. This approach aligns perfectly with the Wyoming mountain setting, where the home's materials can harmoniously blend with the surrounding forest environment while maintaining their integrity and natural beauty.
