- Project: Paintbrush Residence
- Architect: CLB Architects
- Location: United States, Jackson, Wyoming
- Year: 2023
- Area: 223 m2
- Photography: Matthew Millman
Architecture in Dialogue with Nature
The Paintbrush Residence by CLB Architects redefines the relationship between architecture and its environment. Nestled in a sun-dappled Aspen grove outside Jackson, Wyoming, this 2,400-square-foot home feels more like a treehouse among the canopy than a conventional dwelling. Originally designed in 2003 and reimagined in 2023, the residence reflects two decades of thoughtful architectural evolution.
From the start, CLB Architects aimed to create a light, porous home that would stand in contrast to the dark 1970s cabin that previously occupied the site. With modular components, machined details, and enduring materials like oxidized steel and cedar, the house was conceived to weather gracefully over time, becoming an organic element of its natural surroundings.
A Vertical Journey Through Space and Light
Challenging traditional notions of public and private space, the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom are positioned on the upper floor, placing daily life among the treetops. As residents ascend the main staircase, the design orchestrates a dramatic reveal—a soaring, light-filled space that immerses them in the Aspen canopy.
A cedar-clad cantilevered projection extends this connection outward, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. A continuous band of glazed clerestory windows enhances the experience, filtering sunlight across the high ceilings while framing dynamic forest views.
On the lower level, the guest suite and entry remain grounded against the hillside, yet are animated by a two-story window wall that fills the stairwell with natural light.
A Thoughtful Evolution: From 2003 to 2023
Two decades after its completion, the Paintbrush Residence entered a new chapter. The home’s new owner, inspired by its minimalist detailing and timeless materiality, invited CLB Architects to revisit the project. The renovation honored the original’s decisive structural gestures while refining spaces with warm, tactile finishes and modern functionality.
The kitchen was updated with white oak cabinetry framed by powder-coated steel, reflecting the home’s expressive structural language. A redesigned island enhances functionality and fosters entertaining. In the master bathroom, the bathtub was reoriented toward the windows, with walls and ceilings wrapped in tile and wood for an enveloping retreat-like atmosphere.
Material Honesty and Timeless Detailing
The renovation continued the legacy of craftsmanship and precision established in the original design. Exposed screw heads, modular cabinetry, and machined details highlight the honesty of each connection, celebrating the home’s architectural DNA. Cedar, steel, tile, and oak interplay with texture and warmth, ensuring durability while preserving the home’s treehouse spirit.
A Treehouse for Generations
With its lightness, porosity, and enduring material palette, the Paintbrush Residence embodies a modern approach to mountain living. It is not just a home but a continuously evolving architectural narrative—one that balances respect for the past with a vision for the future.
By situating life among the trees, CLB Architects created more than a dwelling; they crafted a living framework for harmony between people and nature in the heart of Wyoming’s Aspen groves.
