Lefty Ranch House: Generous Glass Expanses for Transparency and Capturing Views

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Designed by CLB Architects, Lefty Ranch House is situated on the historic bed of Wyoming’s Snake River. It sits on a 35-acre property with remnant corrals and outbuildings ranging across it. A stand of mature pine trees creates the property’s western boundary. There is a large pond that reflects the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges’s views.

The regional vernacular expressed in “loafing sheds” is the main inspiration for the main building design, traditional agrarian structures used for shielding livestock from the elements. The shape of the single shed roof is articulated to define the south-facing interior courtyard. In this courtyard, the ornamental maple tree serves as a focal point.

The simple form of the structure is abstracted, with carved overhangs that create signal entry points and shelter. The undulating ridges and valleys’ views inspire the profile of the building. The generous glass expanses create transparency and help the building to capture the views. The living space is connected to the large pond’s edge by a roof.

There are public rooms, entertainment areas, and outdoor spaces connecting to the pond. The service functions are strengthened along the interior courtyard to create a museum-like feel.

The main house in this project is clad in limestone and each stone surface is chiseled to create texture and depth. The aperture in the sloping ceiling of the living room is oriented to draw southern light. A reductive interior palette features ceilings and floors of white oak and locally quarried limestone.

The glazing is used to admit light and frame views of the dramatic surrounding landscape and commissioned artworks.