SOW’S EAR TO SILK PURSE
An addition doubling the size of the original home
From 2,000 to 4,400 sq. ft.
Design Team: Kurt Dubbe, AIA; Ben Weisbeck, Andy Bocardo
Interior Designer hired by the client: Shannon White
Our clients purchased a small, dated log cabin ‘kit home’ built in the mid-1990s, primarily for its spectacular views of the Tetons. Competing buyers considered demolishing the cabin, but the owners believed that reusing the existing structure would reduce new construction, minimize waste, and result in significant overall cost savings. The challenge was to successfully integrate the existing log cabin with a new building without mimicking the original design or creating an appearance of an add-on.
The location of the expansion was primarily chosen for the views it would offer. Although there was more available building space to the east, those views were obstructed by the existing house and trees to the north. In contrast, expanding to the west, despite having a more limited building area, would provide unobstructed views. As a result, Kurt Dubbe concentrated on designing an addition to the west that would serve as the couple's main living space.
Kurt's organizational plan involved relocating the entrance and adding a new kitchen, dining area, and living room, all designed with a spacious and dramatic layout. This new area connects to a primary suite and a garage, effectively meeting the design requirements for the addition. Meanwhile, the existing structure has been reconfigured to serve as guest quarters, featuring a family room, guest laundry, wet bar, three ensuite bedrooms, and an office.
One of the aesthetic challenges of the design was to seamlessly integrate the existing building with a new design without resorting to engineered logs or creating the appearance of an "add-on." The solution was to create custom milled siding from 2x12 cedar that complemented the existing logs. Lighter-colored, thinner wood siding was applied vertically at the entry and the north porch as accents, emphasizing the north-south axis of the addition. A motor court was designed to provide a circular drive and access to a new 700-square-foot garage with a workshop, while still retaining the original garage.
The owners aimed to create a modern architectural ambiance in the space while avoiding a sterile, museum-like feel. Their goal was to balance contemporary design with warmth and a connection to the surrounding environment, achieved through stunning views and a thoughtful selection of natural materials. Additionally, they sought to create a harmonious blend of intimate spaces and areas that could accommodate large gatherings of friends.
The finished home strikes a balance between sophistication and warmth, making it comfortable and fulfilling for the owners. It emphasizes a connection to the outdoors with ample glazing and a combination of uncovered and covered decks, effectively extending the living space. The changing seasons in this beautiful setting have created a unique home that even witnesses the Jackson Hole elk herd migrating through in the fall.