Architect:
Buffalo Rixon – Ruscitto Latham Blanton
Builder:
Lee Gilman Builders
Landscaper:
Webb Landscape
This home had the great challenge of being the first in the newly developed Sun Valley White Clouds. In order to nestle the home into an extremely difficult hillside site, large boulders that match the native landscape were chosen to build retaining walls. In addition, the boulders were placed to mimic natural outcrops and include room for plantings among them. At the end of the day, everything blends seamlessly such that one wouldn’t know the extent of the excavation that had to take place. The site actually played into the owners wish to have additional garages for a car collection by tucking one garage under the house. The careful coordination between architecture and landscape architecture really allows the home to take advantage of sweeping views from property. An extensive outdoor terrace provides a great place to have morning coffee as well as to entertain and relax at the end of another Sun Valley day. A custom designed barbecue area is located off the kitchen with enough space for friends to keep the chef company. A separate patio area has an old steel mining bowl converted to a fire bowl. And a partially sunken hot tub with boulders surrounding provides a relaxing spot to soak. Beautiful large pavers in an ashlar pattern connect all the outdoor spaces together. Landscape lighting subtly highlights the rock walls and patio areas without distracting from the night sky. The care that was taken to design landscaping that fit naturally into the Idaho landscape and would mature to enhance the overall setting sets a high standard for this unique area.