- Project: ShineMaker Residence
- Architect: CLB Architects
- Location: United States, Wilson, Wyoming
- Year: 2022
- Area: 758 m2
- Photography: Matthew Millman, Aaron Kraft, Douglas Friedman
A Creative Retreat at the Edge of the Tetons
Nestled within a 35-acre site near Wilson, Wyoming, the ShineMaker Residence by CLB Architects is a serene haven designed for a California couple who sought a nature-oriented retreat to inspire their writing practice. The project unfolds as a series of tectonic structures carefully positioned within the landscape, offering unobstructed views of the Grand Tetons, surrounding forests, and rolling meadows.
The estate comprises a 6,000-square-foot main house, a 1,577-square-foot guest house, and a 580-square-foot writer’s studio, each sited to respond to its unique ecological setting. A fourth contemplative pavilion is planned for the future, reinforcing the residence’s layered narrative of architecture and nature.
Architecture Rooted in the Landscape
The main house is conceived as a geologic remnant, its rectilinear form anchoring itself into the landscape while reaching skyward at the corners. The charred shou sugi ban exterior reinforces its rugged character, carved away to reveal deep overhangs, carved entries, and moments of transparency. The entry sequence leads visitors over a lowland creek, where a glass floor reveals the water beneath, blurring the boundary between structure and site.
Inside, warm Atlantic cedar, smooth plaster, and floor-to-ceiling glazing create a dialogue between materiality and light. Each opening is strategically positioned to frame prairie vistas and the dramatic Teton range beyond.
Interior Design: Layers, Comfort, and Artistry
The interiors reflect the clients’ love of literature, music, and the outdoors. Earth-toned palettes are accented by mustard, blush, and burgundy, layered with vintage finds, collectible art, and bespoke furniture. Artisan details, such as tattoo-inspired bas-relief concrete on the fireplace, custom-painted wallpaper murals, and geometric motifs, add depth and individuality to the spaces.
The main residence includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a generous mudroom designed for the family’s Irish wolfhounds, and intimate communal zones connected to the outdoors. A sculptural bathtub carved from a single block of limestone underscores the home’s commitment to craftsmanship and material honesty.
Guest House and Writer’s Studio
The guest house, with its carved entry and mirrored material palette, offers a tranquil retreat for visiting family and friends. The writer’s studio stands slightly apart—a two-story sentinel among young aspens. With a first-floor living space and a second-floor studio, it immerses the occupant in solitude and contemplation, framing tree canopies and mountain views.
A Modern Interpretation of Mountain Living
With its shou sugi ban facades, thoughtfully curated interiors, and strong integration with the Wyoming wilderness, ShineMaker Residence is both a family home and a creative sanctuary. It represents CLB Architects’ ability to craft architecture that balances rugged modernity with warmth, artistry, and deep respect for the natural environment.
