Remodeling a Ski On Ski Off Mountain House to Maximize Beautiful Mountain Views
A One of a Kind Mountain House That Raises the Design Standard for All Future Ski Homes.
Interview questions answered by RCQ Senior Designer, Amanda Arditti.
What was the goal?
To review proposed architectural plans for a renovation/addition and follow through on them so that the home would suit the clients’ lifestyle/wants and needs for their mountain house. It was important to not only update the home, but also to maximize mountain views, and create a more functional mudroom, laundry room, & boot room.
What was the scope?
This was a large scale renovation and addition. The entire house was updated except for the kitchen and bathrooms because they were previously renovated by RCQ a few years prior. During this second renovation, the heating system was updated, existing drainage issues were improved, and all different tradesmen were brought on the job (electrician, plumber, masons, framers, etc) to fully bring the house up to date. Design elements such as fireplaces, mantels, furniture, and window treatments were custom designed. The exterior of the home was redone (stone, siding color & style), new built-ins were crafted, and all production was overseen by RCQ.
What was the sought-after interior design aesthetic?
This house has a rustic interior design aesthetic that is cozy and fit to the clients needs. Since this is a vacation home, the bedrooms needed to accommodate the potential for guests. Similarly, the living spaces needed to be well suited for entertaining, offering intimate spaces within an open concept layout.
What were the phases of design?
Initial Client Consultation
The original plans drawn up by the architect had the home’s addition as exterior space. While it was impressive, it did not provide any solutions to the client’s needs. Rina reimagined it by making all the added outdoor space into interior living space which allowed for year-round magnificent views as well as a great boot room, laundry room, and mud room (which the client indicated they needed). The client only uses the house as a winter home so adding outdoor living space would’ve been a huge investment and they likely would not have been happy in the end.
Floor and Architectural Planning
General & Subcontractor Communication
Excavation, Foundation, & Framing
Pre-wire Walk-Thru with Electrician
Flooring Specification
Rustic Furniture Selections
Design Details
paint colors, custom window treatments, designer decor, etc.
Oversight of all Final Deliveries
Home Set Up for Turn-Key Walk-In
What was your favorite part of the job?
Working with the builder. He was attentive and on top of the job and its progress. His communication was great which allowed for both RCQ Design and his crew to be highly efficient in hitting the deadline. When there were hiccups, he would include the RCQ team in the conversation to troubleshoot solutions that would best suit the client. It was a true collaboration from start to finish. His crew was also great, having real pride in their workmanship.
What was your least favorite part of the job?
The architect underestimated how important the mountain views were to the client and therefore created a rotunda that had large spans of wall between each window which ruined the panoramic view. This presented a big problem, which the had to be resolved by Rina ad her team. Ultimately, the structural engineer had to review the plans in order to maximize the windows and eliminate as much partition between them as possible.
What made this job unique then other jobs you’ve done?
The location of this project made it possible to create a rustic chalet style that had all the cozy comforts of a cabin, but with modern details and cutting edge technology. This style isn’t typically asked for in people’s main homes, but for this mountain house it was absolutely perfect.
Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid