425 Magazine Resort Home of the Year
Something Different in Mountain Contemporary
Tucked among the trees and surrounded by mountains is the future 425 Resort Home of the Year. It is under construction at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. Brock Smith of Brock Smith Custom Homes in Issaquah, architect Ben Mulder of 4D Architects of Kirkland, and designer Michelle Dahl of Belle Grey Design in Bellevue are working with the owner to create a special home, expected to be completed and unveiled in the magazine in summer 2023.
“This home will stand out among the many beautiful homes at the Suncadia Resort. From the design to the location, and what has been done to work with the site … this home will be extraordinary,” Smith said. The team is classifying the style of the home as “Mountain Modern.” It will showcase more steel, glass, and curved roofs than many other homes in the area, with a mix of the “mountain-style” wood accents. “This home may help introduce and usher in a new aesthetic at the resort,” Smith added. “I think this home is re-defining luxurious mountain living.”
The home will be a sanctuary, with a primary bedroom suite on the main level with floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace. The bedroom also will have a spa-like bath space with a custom floating vanity, free-standing tub, and a steam shower. Kids will enjoy a spacious bunk room and bath on the lower floor. QuietRock dry-wall will help provide sound suppression between the adult and kid spaces. On the upper floor are guest suites for family and friends.
The designer will bring all the spaces together with the use of texture, soft mood lighting, and large planes of materials, all while keeping the spaces’ everyday use top on the list. “Keeping in mind the view is the real star here, we want to showcase simple quality finishes that are well detailed while keeping a good focus on design elements like symmetry, texture and form,” she said. Smith can’t wait to see it all come together. “I love that we are doing some different things in this home than you typically see at the resort,” Smith added. “From the cabinets, to the glass wine cellar, to the amazing floating steel stairs with glass sides, it is really exciting to be asked to build and create with such unique and different features.”
Read the 425 magazine article at: 425 Resort Home of the Year 2023
Q&A with architect Ben Mulder
What were some challenges in creating this space?
We had to be creative to create the floor area desired by the owners on a site that has a maximum that is much smaller. We reduced the bulk of the home significantly by settling the home down into the grade. … On the back, the roof lines soar, allowing large expanses of glass toward the view.
What are some highlights that make this space work?
The way the home responds to the view and the light. Introducing the angle in the floorplan to open up the view side even more. The restrained use of steel without making the home too industrial-looking. The interplay of different window shapes and how they complement the volumes.
What advice do you have for readers who are starting work with an architect to make their dream home?
Get a builder early as part of the design team. So much of the design revolves around a budget, so we might as well make that the main discussion point so there won’t be any disappointments or compromises later on. Get a list of desired rooms and an idea of room sizes. Pictures tell a thousand words.
Visit 4D Architects at: www.4Darchitects.com
Visit Belle Grey Design at: www.BelleGreyDesign.com