The Powder Mountain cabin, in partnership with Tokyo based Schemata Architecture is settled within a group of small, sustainably constructed residences within a preserved mountain ecosystem. The home rises gently above the hillside on a galvanized steel frame, with views Northward toward Cache Valley and South toward Mt Ogden Peak and Snow Basin. Within the exposed steel frame, a wood clad box envelops two levels of living space; an open living dining and kitchen space over the more enclosed and private bedroom and bath functions below.
Nearly every element of the envelope and construction are turned inside out and revealed: The framing, a careful placement of select grade Douglas Fir, is installed with no visible pencil marks or the waffle stamp of framing hammers. The conduit wiring snakes along the walls in visible runs of conduit, along with the HRV system, fire sprinklers, and light fixtures. The interior walls, with the exception of the tiled bathrooms, are finished entirely in ACx plywood. The exterior walls are composed of a heavy-duty assembly of several inches of rigid foam insulation and ACx Marine Grade Plywood with an additional sealer.
The bedrooms and upper level living space are arranged around a central atrium with a steel spiral staircase. The upper level is an open-plan layout with a Kitchen, Living, and Dining space opening onto a wrap-around deck. Satin polished stainless steel countertops contrast the plywood millwork, and match the galvanized steel fittings and structure.