bohlin cywinski jackson adds to lake tahoe resort community

in northeastern california, bohlin cywinski jackson has completed a series of residences and townhomes, designed to both challenge and reinterpret the traditional mountain ski chalet. residents are now enjoying their first full winter, with the region receiving more than 450 inches of snowfall to date. ‘we considered work-life balance and the needs of a modern, tech-savvy homebuyer while designing the project,’ says architect greg mottola, design principal from bohlin cywinski jackson’s san francisco office. ‘the dwellings challenge and reinterpret the concepts of the traditional chalet, which we think appeal to urbanites seeking refuge in the mountains.’

all images by nic lehoux

the dwellings form part of mountainside at northstar, a resort community located 15 minutes from lake tahoe. designed by bohlin cywinski jackson to be efficient and compact in plan, the ‘ski-in/ski-out’ homes are articulated around social spaces that take in views of the surrounding slopes and the carson range beyond. the design team has used materials that reference the region’s vernacular architecture, with warm wood, glass, and steel used throughout.

the ‘stellar residences’ form part of a resort community located 15 minutes from lake tahoe

the elevated ‘stellar residences’ employ floor-to-ceiling windows to provide views of martis valley and the sierra nevadas. the four-bedroom, three-bath properties feature open-plan living spaces with an adjoining elevated porch. appearing to float above the landscape, the master suite is surrounded by three glass walls that immerse occupants in nature.

floor-to-ceiling windows to provide views of martis valley

stepping down the mountainside, the ‘stellar townhouses’ have been designed to be as compact as possible. however, in order to ensure privacy, the homes are vertically and horizontally offset. each unit is approximately 2,200 square feet and includes three bedrooms, two baths, and an exterior patio that leads directly from the living space to the ski slope.

open-plan living spaces include an adjoining elevated porch

in addition to the ski slopes, hiking trails, and golf courses, on site amenities also include a fitness facility, an outdoor pool, a dining area, and lounge and game room. ‘the project is designed to emphasize responsible, ethical development and healthy living,’ says architect and project manager denis schofield. ‘there was a big focus on sustainable design, as demonstrated in the project’s LEED for homes certification design standards.’

the master bedrooms are surrounded by three glass walls