- Project: Stirrup House
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Ketchum, Idaho
- Year: 2022
- Area: 601 m2
- Photography: Aaron Leitz, Benjamin Benschneider
An Intersection of Art, Architecture, and Landscape
Located in the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho, the Stirrup House by acclaimed Seattle-based studio Olson Kundig is a refined, contemporary residence designed around the dual themes of art curation and alpine scenery. With a footprint of 6,472 square feet, the house is crafted as a personal gallery and mountain retreat, integrating the owner’s expansive contemporary art collection with sweeping views of Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.
A Cross-Shaped Composition of Space
The design is based on a Latin cross plan, expressed through a bold steel-and-wood-clad structure. The main volume includes the entry foyer, open-plan living area, kitchen, and dining space, while housing two guest bedrooms on the lower level and two offices above. The secondary volume completes the cross form, featuring a striking steel-and-glass vestibule and a transparent master suite that forms a dynamic counterbalance to the rest of the house.
From every space, art and nature are in dialogue—floor-to-ceiling windows frame outdoor sculptures and landscape views, turning the surrounding environment into a living canvas.
Interior as Art Gallery and Sanctuary
Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a dramatic double-height foyer featuring a large-scale artwork by Lawrence Fodor, titled Rain Forest. This sets the tone for the home’s interior—an architectural celebration of creativity and serenity.
Adjacent to the main artwork wall is a curated display of framed images from the owner’s published book, Speak for the Trees, reinforcing the theme of art rooted in nature. The interior palette—exposed steel, polished concrete, and warm wood—offers a minimalist yet textural backdrop for the diverse artwork on display.
Fluid Indoor-Outdoor Experience
A defining feature of the home is its seamless connection to outdoor spaces. The panel-formed concrete fireplace serves both the interior living room and the exterior deck, which cantilevers above the sloped terrain. A private courtyard accessible from the master suite creates a tranquil, enclosed outdoor space for year-round use.
Outside, the landscape continues to host sculptural and two-dimensional artworks, emphasizing the home’s core concept: that art and architecture are not confined to interiors, but should extend into and engage with the landscape.
A Testament to Olson Kundig’s Vision
With the Stirrup House, Olson Kundig once again proves its mastery in crafting residences that are deeply personal, environmentally responsive, and visually compelling. This is a house where structure and spirit converge, offering its residents a place not only to live but to reflect, create, and connect.
