- Project: Studhorse
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Winthrop, WA
- Year: 2015
- Area: 379 m2
- Photography: Benjamin Benschneider
A Home Designed for Year-Round Adventure
Situated on a 20-acre site in the remote Methow Valley, Studhorse by Olson Kundig is a 4,078-square-foot family retreat designed to celebrate outdoor living and rugged elegance. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Nordic ski trails, and panoramic views of Studhorse Ridge and Pearrygin Lake, the residence is composed of four detached pavilions that frame a shared central courtyard and pool.
This bold configuration blurs the boundary between architecture and landscape, allowing the family to engage directly with nature through all four seasons.
A Courtyard Plan Inspired by Circling Wagons
Drawing inspiration from the historic motif of circling wagons, the home’s four buildings are positioned around a central communal area, creating a sense of protection and connection. Each structure has a defined role within the overall layout:
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The common pavilion includes the kitchen, family room, and bar, designed for entertaining and shared experiences.
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A private wing houses the primary bedroom, children’s room, and den, tucked away for quiet and retreat.
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Guest quarters are separate from the main buildings, offering independence and privacy.
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A standalone sauna pavilion is sited to take advantage of a secluded valley view, further enhancing the sense of wellness and immersion.
Rugged Materials for a Harsh Landscape
Studhorse was built to endure extreme environmental conditions, from dry, wildfire-prone summers to harsh snowy winters. The material palette reflects that rugged context, with:
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Weathering steel and large expanses of glass
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Reclaimed barnwood siding from a local structure in the valley
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Low-maintenance surfaces designed to age gracefully and blend with the terrain
As the materials weather over time, the architecture takes on a muted, natural appearance that allows it to recede into the vast rural landscape.
Indoor-Outdoor Living as a Lifestyle
By designing separate volumes connected only by the open-air courtyard, Olson Kundig created a home that celebrates movement, flexibility, and seasonal change. This configuration encourages daily interaction with the site—moving between buildings under open skies, experiencing the weather, and taking in ever-shifting views.
Studhorse offers a modern, minimalist response to rural living that’s both rooted in tradition and tailored for contemporary life.
Studhorse: A High-Design Homestead
With its modular pavilion design, sustainable materials, and powerful setting, **Studhorse exemplifies Olson Kundig’s ability to turn a simple concept—**a home among nature—into a profound architectural experience. It’s a model for homes that embrace environment, community, and timeless design.
