Cover Summit Residence unfurls as a versatile family retreat within a three-acre-plus site in the sweeping wilds of Park City, Utah
Summit Residence unfurls as a versatile family retreat within a three-acre-plus site in the sweeping wilds of Park City, Utah
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Designed by Northworks, Summit Residence in Park City, Utah blends modern architecture with alpine warmth through a series of pavilion-like spaces
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Uinta and Wasatch mountains in the sweeping wilds of Utah, Park City is one of those locations that quietly exceeds expectations.
Home to Park City Mountain–the largest ski resort in the country by lift-accessible terrain–and Deer Valley Resort, it is a premier winter destination that not only attracts serious skiers during the colder months, but is also the global epicentre of independent cinema as the primary host of the Sundance Film Festival.
Read more: Powder paradise: 7 pristine ski retreats to experience the snow-capped mountains anew
Above Weathered reclaimed wood siding offset by crisp industrial tie-rods and restrained black metal accents
Weathered reclaimed wood siding offset by crisp industrial tie-rods and restrained black metal accents
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Just outside the alpine enclave, Victory Ranch Resort enjoys panoramic vistas of rocky cliffs, Deer Valley’s slopes, and the fêted Victory Ranch golf course.
Within the three-acre-plus site, Summit Residence unfurls as a versatile family retreat, where homeowners from the Midwest can relax and share their love of the outdoors together.
See also: Home tour: a minimalist mountain retreat in Wyoming rooted in material honesty
The covered terrace on the south side is ideal for hosting gatherings
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“Keen skiers, bikers and hikers, the family requested a spacious home that could accommodate a range of indoor and outdoor living experiences, along with multiple settings for lounging, play, rest and entertaining,” shares Austin DePree, co-founder of Northworks, the architectural firm commissioned to help the homeowners realise their vision of a retreat immersed in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges.
“As we searched for the right site, it quickly became clear that this location was the one,” he adds. “Surrounded by expansive views and an intact natural setting, it was the moment their vision came into focus–rooted in the landscape and shaped by their imagination.”
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Above The second open terrace on the north side offers a dedicated spa and sunken firepit
The second open terrace on the north side offers a dedicated spa and sunken firepit
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Set atop a butte, Summit Residence is secluded at the end of a winding driveway, framed by native vegetation.
Spanning 6,673 sq ft–comprising a 5,737-sq-ft living area and a 936-sq-ft garage–the western-inflected vernacular pays tribute to Utah’s regional context, featuring weathered reclaimed wood siding offset by crisp industrial tie-rods and restrained black metal accents.
Simplicity of form and clarity of expression define the contemporary architecture, while a measured dialogue between rustic and modern elements recurs throughout the home, with connections to the surrounding landscape consistently prioritised.
Read more: Home tour: A multigenerational family retreat in Whistler, Canada with panoramic mountain views
Above The mudroom frames the distant peaks through floor-to-ceiling glazing
The mudroom frames the distant peaks through floor-to-ceiling glazing
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Although the floor plan follows a sprawling footprint, the single-storey residence is articulated as a series of elongated pavilions that encourage a fluid progression through the site. These outdoor “rooms” are carefully oriented and framed with expanses of glazing to capture views that are at once dramatic and quietly expansive.
“They’re carefully considered to create curated, compartmentalised spaces where the extended family can gather for holidays and celebrations, while still allowing for moments of privacy and retreat throughout the day,” DePree explains.
See also: 12 stunning Canadian homes that make the best of their dramatic natural surroundings
Above The high-ceilinged living room is part of the dramatic volume known as the great room
The high-ceilinged living room is part of the dramatic volume known as the great room
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Above The custom solid-stone coffee table took eight movers to get into position
Above Walnut bookcases recessed into the wall flanking the fireplace and TV
The custom solid-stone coffee table took eight movers to get into position
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Meanwhile, Northworks collaborated with Sasha Adler Design on European-influenced interiors that temper the scale of the architecture with warmth and texture, using a palette of natural materials grounded in earthy tones.
Drawing inspiration from Utah’s striking landscape, as well as ski towns around the world and the evolution of alpine design, interior designer Sasha Adler examined the craftsmanship and materials found in traditional European chalets and reinterpreted them through a contemporary lens.
See also: Home tour: Herschel Supply co-founder’s mod-rustic mountain cabin in Canada
“Our goal was to layer the home with natural materials and a curated collection of furniture that seamlessly integrates vintage, antique and contemporary pieces–reflecting both the family’s aesthetic and the way they intended to live in the home,” Adler elaborates.
Above The dining bay, where Utah’s dramatic landscape unfolds through windows on three sides
The dining bay, where Utah’s dramatic landscape unfolds through windows on three sides
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Upon entry, the mudroom reveals itself through floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames the arrival sequence and distant peaks.
This leads into a dramatic volume known as the great room, encompassing the kitchen, dining and living areas, where tailored upholstery and sculptural lighting are paired with vintage elements to introduce character and patina.
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Materials chosen are timeless, tactile, and rooted in the natural environment
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Tasked with making the high-ceilinged living room feel warm, inviting and intimate, monumental walnut bookcases were recessed into the wall flanking the fireplace and television, layered with the family’s collected art, found objects and books accumulated over time.
“The custom coffee table in the living room is solid stone and took eight movers to get into position,” Adler recalls. “The real challenge came five minutes later, when we decided everything needed to shift a few inches back. Let’s just say baked goods were involved.”
Read more: Home tour: A modern minimalist villa nestled in the mountains of Transcaucasia
Warm white oak millwork offers a soft, organic warmth
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Meanwhile, Utah’s dramatic landscape unfolds through windows on three sides of the projected dining bay, where horizontal mullions subtly trace the rhythm of the terrain, reinforcing the home’s connection to place.
“Dining in this setting becomes a quiet, immersive indoor-outdoor experience—one where even a simple meal feels considered,” DePree reflects.
Additionally, the walk-through pantry and bar, designed to promote a circular flow throughout the home, introduce a whimsy note within an otherwise disciplined plan.
See also: Home tour: A nature-inspired lakefront retreat in Canada blends quiet luxury with seasonal beauty
Above Framed with expanses of glazing to capture views
Above Defined by calming palettes and tactile materials
Framed with expanses of glazing to capture views
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The great room extends further, opening onto a generous covered terrace on the south side via a three-panel sliding door.
Ideal for hosting gatherings, the space features a built-in kitchen and a natural wood-burning fireplace, encouraging guests to linger in a setting that balances comfort with a sense of ruggedness.
To the north, a second open terrace offers a dedicated spa and sunken fire pit, with framed views across the backcountry landscape toward Bald Mountain and Hoyt’s Peak.
Don’t miss: Home tour: A colourful family ski retreat in Quebec’s idyllic Charlevoix region
Above Warm, European-influenced interiors
Above One of the five spacious bedroom suites
Warm, European-influenced interiors
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Above Craftsmanship and materials found in traditional European chalets
Above A seamless integration of vintage, antique and contemporary pieces
Craftsmanship and materials found in traditional European chalets
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While the interconnected communal spaces support year-round gatherings against a mountainous backdrop, Summit Residence also includes a library, an office and seven bathrooms.
Connected by a bedroom corridor that doubles as a photo gallery documenting the family’s travels and adventures, five spacious bedroom suites provide spaces for homeowners and guests to retreat, defined by calming palettes and tactile materials that feel grounded in nature–without resorting to the familiar tropes of mountain design.
Read more: 5 interior designer tips for kid-friendly bedrooms that grow with your children
Above A home that feels warm and inviting, and effortlessly rooted in the landscape
A home that feels warm and inviting, and effortlessly rooted in the landscape
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“We wanted to create a home that feels warm, rooted in the landscape and inviting,” Adler concludes. “One that feels as effortless for a quiet morning coffee as it does for a full house of guests après-ski.”
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Credits
Photography: Nils Timm
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
