Imagine escaping to a serene retreat nestled in the heart of Wyoming, where architecture seamlessly blends with nature. This is precisely what CLB Architects achieved with the Caju House, a holiday home that redefines luxury by focusing on essentials.
Designed for a young family from Miami, the Caju House, located near the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The architects were tasked with creating a space that would serve as a sanctuary, a place where family and friends could connect and unwind. The brief emphasized a home designed for 'essentials rather than excess,' grounded in practicality and natural materials.
But here's where it gets interesting: the house is strategically positioned on one of the last undeveloped lots in Teton Village, Wyoming, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the Snake River Valley. The design cleverly navigates the rugged topography, minimizing tree removal and site disturbance. The resulting structure appears to both 'embed in and hover above the landscape,' creating a unique visual experience.
The home's design features an L-shaped plan composed of two bars: a long bar with a gabled roof housing two levels and a shorter, single-story bar with a flat roof. The shorter bar extends toward the hillside, supported by columns, which allows it to gently touch the earth. This thoughtful design ensures that the house feels connected to its surroundings.
The use of materials is a key element of the Caju House's identity. The exterior is clad in Corten steel, a material that weathers over time, developing a rich, orange hue reminiscent of the Brazilian cashew fruit (caju), which inspired the house's name. This choice not only provides a striking visual appeal but also ensures durability. Carved-out sections are lined with larch wood, adding warmth and highlighting the home's sculptural form. The interior continues this theme, with a palette restricted to steel, wood, and concrete, chosen for their ability to age gracefully.
Inside the 3,250-square-foot (approximately 302-square-meter) home, you'll find cozy rooms and large windows that frame the stunning views. The ground level includes practical spaces like a garage, mudroom, laundry room, and gym. Upstairs, where the views are most spectacular, are the communal areas, the primary bedroom, and three additional bedrooms. A staircase set within a perforated stainless-steel structure connects the floors, allowing light to filter through and creating a visually appealing element.
And this is the part most people miss: the interior finishes continue the theme of earthy and industrial materials. Larch wood, used on the exterior, is also featured inside, cladding walls and ceilings and used for built-in furniture, creating a holistic environment. This is paired with concrete floors and stainless-steel accents, providing a refined edge. Several outdoor spaces, including a recessed balcony off the kitchen and a rear deck with a cutout for aspen trees, further strengthen the connection to the environment.
CLB Architects has a history of creating stunning projects in Wyoming. The Caju House stands as a prime example of how thoughtful design and material selection can create a harmonious blend of luxury and nature.
What are your thoughts on the use of weathering steel in residential architecture? Do you think the focus on 'essentials' enhances the overall experience of a home? Share your opinions in the comments below!
