Relax And Reconnect With Nature At This Idaho Retreat

The vernacular of architect Stephen Sutro’s two homes could not be more different. His primary residence, shared with his family of five, is a 1913 Craftsman dwelling. But when planning their vacation getaway in Victor, Idaho, he created something else entirely. “I wanted a counterpoint to our traditional house,” he says. Working with colleagues John Simenic and Max Taschek, Sutro took inspiration from the landscape—and not just in a general “frame-the-view” way. Rather, he wanted to create a dwelling that felt true to the region, celebrated views of the Big Hole Mountains and maximized light through all seasons.

To the casual observer, the building’s form is simple, but it is full of complex moves that general contractors Kurt Mitchell and Todd Witek executed with precision. For instance, Sutro conceived of a roof with sloped planes and clerestory windows angled to allow sunlight to penetrate every room—and to capture solar energy with panels on the southern exposure. “Even in colder, darker times of the year, the house is filled with light,” the architect says. He also designed the dwelling’s laminated timbers to be hung from a concealed steel frame, making them appear to magically float above the dogtrot entry and allowing windows to span from floor to ceiling.

On the exterior, Sutro selected understated, low-maintenance materials. The gray Accoya wood siding will weather gracefully and never need to be restained. Likewise, the standing seam roof is finished with a muted, almost chalky appearance. “It was important to me that nothing look too shiny on the exterior,” he says. “As they age, I want the materials to look as good as, or even better than, when they were installed.”

Inside, Sutro and designer Nicholas Low settled on a palette of warm wood, terrazzo slabs with a neutral palette, and blackened, waxed steel. “The wood ceiling is a good foil to all the glass,” notes Sutro, who also wanted low-fuss materials inside. Accordingly, they chose wood flooring with visible knots and a wire-brushed finish so it wouldn’t show every scuff.

For the furnishings, Low looked for elements that felt connected to the landscape “without slipping into the expected mountain lodge style,” he says. So, he selected pieces with sleek lines and subtle textures in lieu of rustic finishes, antlers and sheepskins. The overall aesthetic is calm and neutral, but Low pushed Sutro to weave in notes of color and pattern, including the living room’s blue leather sofa and armchairs upholstered in a herringbone check. “I am probably a little too conservative with color,” Sutro admits. “I’m very happy with the result here, and I’m glad we went for it.”

It’s not just a contrast in appearance that marks this home from his main residence; Sutro knew the family would live differently here as well. With muddy fly-fishing waders and snowy ski boots in mind, he conceived the dogtrot entrance between the garage and front door that functions like an outdoor mudroom. Likewise cognizant of the family’s active lifestyle, Low opted for performance fabrics and leather upholstery as well as stain-resistant wool rugs.

As a vacation retreat, the family wanted places to congregate. “We designed the living space as just one mosh pit where everyone can gather,” Sutro laughs. They also eschewed dedicated rooms for each child, instead letting the kids pick where to sleep each time they visit. However, perhaps the biggest change in this home is what’s not included. “Our primary residence has all the things that you need to fulfill responsibilities to work and school,” Sutro says. “In this family retreat, you won’t find an office or homework stations; instead, there are places to relax and connect with nature.”