Framed by the Landscape

Perched along a windswept ridgeline in Jackson, Wyoming, this residence is conceived as both a family sanctuary and a living gallery. Designed for longtime local residents, the home reflects a deep connection to the natural environment and a shared passion for collecting, resulting in a retreat that gracefully balances grandeur with intimacy. Commissioning CLB for the architecture and WRJ design for the interiors, the outcome resulted in a harmonious relationship between nature and the home. 

From the outset, a singular artwork shaped the home’s identity: a stainless-steel sculpture by Jedd Novatt. Composed of intersecting cubic volumes, the piece has long held personal significance for the family and now serves as the conceptual anchor of the design. Positioned within a reflective pool in the entry courtyard, it greets visitors while establishing a geometric language echoed throughout the architecture. Much like the sculpture itself, the home reveals its complexity gradually, offering shifting perspectives and moments of discovery.

The approach reinforces this sense of unfolding experience. A meandering drive leads through the property before the house emerges from the trees, nestled into the hillside to maintain a low, unobtrusive profile. “We’ve blended this rugged Wyoming landscape with the clients’ spectacular art collection and high design goals – it’s a home that echoes both modern art and a rugged, western landscape,”  shares Andy Ankeny, AIA, Partner at CLB. Despite its two-story scale, the structure feels grounded and discreet, opening into a sheltered courtyard that provides a moment of calm against the expansive mountain backdrop. This interplay between exposure and refuge mirrors the surrounding landscape, where sweeping views coexist with quiet, introspective spaces.

Architecturally, the home is composed of interlocking volumes that respond to both site and program. A sandstone base grounds the home, while upper forms clad in cedar and blackened stainless steel rest lightly above. Organised around a central courtyard shared by the main house and guesthouse, the layout offers protection from the elements while framing key moments of arrival and gathering. Inside, Western red cedar and hemlock provide warmth, complemented by floors of limestone and white oak. These materials create a refined yet understated backdrop for the family’s wide-ranging art collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, vintage rock photography, and additional sculptures and a painting by Novatt.

Interior design by WRJ Design builds on this foundation with a philosophy of “luxuriously livable” spaces. Furnishings are carefully curated to complement both architecture and artwork, blending clean lines with subtle curves in a restrained, neutral palette. Ample restraint was taken to curate the home to sit comfortably beside the blue-chip art. “An art collection of this scale and importance requires an unusual level of care. Drawing from my time as Director of Design for Sotheby’s New York and working closely with the homeowner – who also has great knowledge of art and presentation – we created interiors where furnishings and décor are in clear dialogue with the artworks, drawing you forward with a surprise around every corner,” shares Rush Jenkins, CEO and creative director, WRJ Design   Natural materials such as mohair, linen, wool, leather, walnut, and bronze introduce depth and durability suited to an active, multigenerational household.

Moments of personality punctuate the home that embraces a quiet, neutral colour palette that keeps the focus on the mountain panoramas and the art. This direction is beautifully exemplified in the great room’s Vladimir Kagan Design accent chairs and Holly Hunt and McEwen sofas encircling a Hellman Chang cocktail table. Interior finishes including white oak and limestone flooring and quartzite countertops were chosen in concert with the architecture’s regionally connected use of wood and stone to provide an understated yet sophisticated backdrop. 

Decorative lighting choices play a vital, sculptural role, as with the dining room’s Frederik Molenschot art chandelier from Carpenters Workshop Gallery suspended over a custom walnut-and-metal table, or the kitchen banquette area’s handblown and hand-carved Alison Berger Glassworks crystal pendant from Holly Hunt placed over a cast-bronze Jiun Ho table with white quartz top. 

Inspired by the black-and-white photography and graphic, boldly coloured Warhols, the home’s softer palette is punctuated with black – as with the entry’s dramatic ebony-finished Alfonso Marina console; and is spotlighted by jewel tones. For example, the butler’s pantry is a standout in lacquered Matisse blue, becoming a personal creative space for the wife with such carefully selected elements as her Joseph Jeup desk chair, and Porter Teleo wallcovering in white Japanese paper accented by delicately hand-painted gold strokes.

The lower level embraces a more relaxed, playful spirit, with spaces for recreation including a media room, bunk room, fitness area, and wine room. Outdoors, the experience extends into the landscape through hiking trails, a secluded firepit, and protected terraces that foster year-round connection to nature.

Sustainability is integral to the design, with energy-efficient systems, triple-glazed windows, and regionally sourced materials supporting long-term performance. Ultimately, the home is designed not just for today, but for generations to come.