Rising majestically from the Salt Lake Valley stands Quarry House. This unique structure offers a glimpse into the region’s natural history. The home is located on the site of a former quarry. It overlooks Salt Lake City and the Oquirrh Mountains.
Imagine this: A family of outdoor enthusiasts sought a peaceful retreat. They wanted a recreational base camp and found it here. The landscape architect played a crucial role in Quarry House’s design. During excavation, a 400-foot-long sandstone escarpment was unearthed. Instead of hiding it with costly walls, the landscape architect made it a visual centerpiece.
The design team exposed the cross-stratified layers of the ledge. They used specialized tools and hand techniques. This turned what could have been an eyesore into a prominent feature. It shelters outdoor spaces and defines the garden’s boundaries. The sandstone ledge became the visual backbone of Quarry House.
The architectural team designed the home to respond to its surroundings. They created contemporary pavilions to capture sunlight. The individual structures organize living areas into two wings. These wings link to a central entertainment space via glass bridges.
The landscape architect conceptualized a bold vision. The raw character of the sandstone would become a mainstay of the design. It would serve as visual relief for the courtyard and home. This dynamic natural feature defines the garden’s limits. It also creates a sheltered area for family gatherings. Quarry House celebrates the inherent beauty and natural history of the site.
The landscape architect and client shared a common appreciation for water conservation. They wanted an untraditional landscape derived from the site’s natural conditions. Within the defined courtyard, they curated a palette of native grass. They also added perennial species that abstracted the region’s colors and textures.
Mountain properties can be challenging to create usable outdoor spaces. At Quarry House, the landscape architect leveraged the site’s topographical relief. The result offers a sensory experience for visitors. It also achieves numerous family-oriented gathering spaces.
To eliminate the visual presence of vehicles, the parking court is set four feet above the finished floor elevation. A low stone wall screens the court and demarcates passage into the sunken courtyard. Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows offer visual connections to the primary terraces. Meandering water threads through a restrained palette of native plantings.
The design facilitates an effective stormwater management strategy. It eliminates the need for underground infrastructure. The restored landscape is now an attractive habitat for birds and wildlife. Quarry House contributes a sustainable landscape case study for its community.
Quarry House stands as a testament to innovative design. It integrates architecture with the natural landscape. The home celebrates the region’s unique geological features. It provides a peaceful retreat for its family. It is a place where natural beauty and modern design intertwine.