Modern Ski Retreat Follows The Shape Of The Landscape To Blend In

The Kinii is a modern and very beautiful ski retreat situated at an altitude of around 3.000 meters. You can find it in a region from Salt Lake City, U.S. It was a project developed by studio Obicua and completed in 2019. By far the most amazing characteristic of this exclusive ski resort would have to be its location. From up here one can enjoy a panoramic view of three states. Of course, there’s a lot more to admire besides that.

In order to minimize the building's impact on the soil and the site, its foundation was reduced
In order to minimize the building’s impact on the soil and the site, its foundation was reduced
Instead of trying to tame the landscape this building follows its lead and adapts to the topography
Instead of trying to tame the landscape this building follows its lead and adapts to the topography

The black exterior of the building is one of the elements which help it blend into the landscape, creating a smooth dialogue with the immediate and distant surroundings. The architects were very careful to apply the protocols of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). What that basically means is they did their best to minimize the impact that the project has on the ground and the local ecosystem.

The pool is framed by transparent railings which expose it to the panoramic view
The pool is framed by transparent railings which expose it to the panoramic view
The architects took a non invasive approach with this project in order to make as few alterations to the ground as possible
The architects took a non invasive approach with this project in order to make as few alterations to the ground as possible

In terms of interior design and layout, the building is organized into compact volumes which helps them retain more warmth. There are two main volumes and they’re connected by a large living room. There’s a sunken seating area, large windows and red cedar flooring which help to create a very warm and inviting ambiance. Inside there’s also a black kitchen which adds an edgy and sophisticated feel to the entire volume. The private areas are just as welcoming. One of the bedroom has a beautiful fireplace wall divider. Most of the internal spaces are connected to terraces which serve as sheltered open areas that bring the views into the rooms and expose them to the gorgeous panoramas.

The sunken living room offers the advantage of added warmth and coziness but also of unobstructed views
The sunken living room offers the advantage of added warmth and coziness but also of unobstructed views
Red cedar was incorporated into all the different spaces in various forms
Red cedar was incorporated into all the different spaces in various forms
The interior design is simple and modern but also has a hint of rustic charm
The interior design is simple and modern but also has a hint of rustic charm
The lighting is subtle and the fixtures are eye-catching, doubling as decorations
The lighting is subtle and the fixtures are eye-catching, doubling as decorations
The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are part of every section of the building
The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are part of every section of the building
A fireplace wall divider gives the bedroom a sophisticated vibe
A fireplace wall divider gives the bedroom a sophisticated vibe
The chromatic palette of the interior design is a collection of neutrals with emphasis on the dark tones
The chromatic palette of the interior design is a collection of neutrals with emphasis on the dark tones
The kitchen is as simple as it can be, with almost no visible appliances or fixtures
The kitchen is as simple as it can be, with almost no visible appliances or fixtures
The staircase and entrance are part of a double-height volume with large windows
The staircase and entrance are part of a double-height volume with large windows
The building is structured into two large volumes separated by the entrance section
The building is structured into two large volumes separated by the entrance section