[Studio Verve Architects - Alpine Ski House - COVER IMG] View of the house from the street. Photo by Kat Alves

Alpine Ski House

PrizeHonorable Mention in Interior Design / Residential Interior
Firm LocationLondon, United Kingdom
Project locationAlpine Meadows, Tahoe, California, USA
CompanyStudio Verve Architects
Lead ArchitectVivian Chan
Design TeamStudio Verve Architects (Architect & Interior Designer), Evolve Design Works (Structural Engineers), Spadi Custom Homes (Main Contractor)
ClientK-L family

The rugged site drops 22m across a 20–50-degree slope. At 6,640 ft above mean sea level, the house lives amidst Douglas Fir treetops; with uninhibited views of the Sierra Nevada. Sliding concrete spine walls slice into the terrain; with fluid living spaces sandwiched between; capped with roofscapes folded to maximise views. The insulated 18-inch concrete walls extend beyond the interior spaces into the slope, providing privacy whilst anchoring the house down. Western red cedar, shou-sugi-ban cladding & triple glazing set against the brutal aesthetics of the board-formed concrete spine walls.