John Dodge Compound
Wilson, Wyoming
Completion Date: 2009
Sited adjacent to the Snake River on a lot with a combination of dense forest and open meadow, this design references both the present vernacular architecture of the area as well as the European heritage and sensibility of the client.

By emphasizing heavy stone and concrete masses, the design effects an expression of permanence suggestive of the traditional European country chateau. As a counterpoint to the dense materiality and massing of forms, the residence breaks down into three discrete volumes for garage, main living quarters (including a yoga studio), and master suite. Large expanses of glass lead to outdoor terraces, both elements serving to reflect the idiom of outdoor living in the American West. The residence reinforces its connection to the natural environment through an integration of architecture and landscaping: a waterway extends from a pond at the site&rsqu o;s north end and terminates in the south-facing courtyard, where it creates a contemplative focal point for the home’s entry.

Sustainability-driven decisions were made at all levels of design and include: geothermal heat pumps, radiant flooring, responsibly harvested lumber, high-performance windows, and insulated concrete forms. Exterior materials such as reclaimed barnwood siding, shake roofs, and stacked stonework echo the regional aesthetic.