Lakeside Retreat Lets The Views Add Drama To Its Interior Decor

A good architect understands the importance of meeting the client’s requirements and of directing him on a path that will offer great results while also being efficient and practical from other points of view. Christopher Architecture and Interiors is a team that always strives to create designs that directly address the individual and this is one of their most successful projects in that sense.

The rocky terrain presented a series of challenges which the architects used to their advantage
The rocky terrain presented a series of challenges which the architects used to their advantage

This is a weekend retreat that the architects built in Jasper, US, on a remote site with rocky terrain, steep cliffs and, most important of all, unobstructed views of the water and mountains that surround it. The house is facing North and sits on the edge of a cliff, with a facade made entirely of glass and extraordinary views from every room.

The rocky terrain presented a series of challenges which the architects used to their advantage
The rocky terrain presented a series of challenges which the architects used to their advantage
The house is facing North and that enables it to take in the beautiful panorama and to also be protected from direct sunlight
The house is facing North and that enables it to take in the beautiful panorama and to also be protected from direct sunlight

The client wanted this to be a relaxing retreat and a good place to recharge the batteries, away from the city, noise and pollution, in the middle of nature and surrounded by inspiring views and freshness. The architects made sure to make the views the focal point of every single room in the house. They did that by giving the social areas fully glazed facades and by keeping the interior decor minimalist and void of any artwork or eye-catching accessories.

The public spaces are open and minimal and have full-height windows that wrap around the corners
The public spaces are open and minimal and have full-height windows that wrap around the corners
The large windows ensure that the panoramic views become an important part of the interior design
The large windows ensure that the panoramic views become an important part of the interior design

The entryway is very welcoming, featuring farmhouse-style influences. It leads into a volume divided in two sections. The bedrooms which need more privacy are placed around the entry and the public spaces are positioned towards the back of the site so they can capture and most impressive views.

The great outdoors can be enjoyed from a series of versatile spaces that include decks and balconies
The great outdoors can be enjoyed from a series of versatile spaces that include decks and balconies

There’s definitely a bit of drama involved in the design, despite its simplicity and lack of decorative elements. It’s all due to the views which are almost overwhelming. They’re the focus on every room and they’re the main source of color for the interior decor. They can be admired from inside the house since both the living areas and the bedrooms have large windows that let them in and layouts that make the most of the surroundings. In addition, there’s also a series of outdoor areas which are meant to be multifunctional and to serve as transition spaces. They’re the perfect spots from where to admire the views and to relax while also enjoying the fresh air, the gentle breeze, the sun’s caress and the soothing noises made by nature.

From inside the house, it seems as if everything is floating on water and slowly drifting away
From inside the house, it seems as if everything is floating on water and slowly drifting away