Project By: Williams | Partners Architects, P.C.
Lot size: 3.09 acres
Project size: 2,920 sq. ft.
Location: Stanley, ID
Design Team
Jeffrey Williams, AIA, NCARB / Design Principal
Travis Killmer, AIA, NCARB / Project Architect
Rob King, Landwork Studio / Landscape Architect
Systems West / Lighting Design
Steve Schafer, Architectural Resources / Interior Design
Collaborators
Keith Reese, Sawtooth Valley Builders / General Contractor
Liv Jensen, P.E. / Structural Engineer
Steve Schwartz, Orion Surveying PLLC / Civil Engineer
Steve Butler, Butler Associates / Geotechnical
Swiss Fine Line / Fenestration
Tanner Windows and Doors / Fenestration
Gabe Border / Photographer
The Stanley Residence lays low on its elevated perch, capturing views of its mountain location.
An awe-inspiring lot with incredible views, the site has minimal vegetation, is very exposed to the elements and is visible from the town below. The lot for this project is located on a short, narrow ridge of just 215 feet above Stanley, Idaho. The winding access road grade exceeds 20%. The site was platted in the town limits 60 years ago but never sold due to the difficulty of access and the small building plat.
The project program was modest due to its function as a short-term retreat. A separate garage will be built at a later phase. While zoning allowed a two-story house on the lot, the design motivation was to keep the home low to minimize its visual impact, keep it simple to minimize construction complexity and cost, and to disturb as little of the delicate ridgetop as possible. Existing exposed rock outcrops were to remain.
With a short building season and difficult winter construction exposure and access, our solution was to design a post and beam structural system that could be quickly erected and then used as a shelter throughout the winter for interior work.
The residence footprint was to remain narrow, with circulation on one side with the primary social spaces at the end of the ridge. The large deck to the east acts as a counterpoint to house form, provides a sunny terrace sheltered from the afternoon winds and is positioned away from the town below. The maximum height of the pitched roof is just over 14 feet on the high side.
A “contemporary cabin,” the residence has stone floors throughout and plywood walls, ceiling and cabinetry.
