The Freedom house is placed on a small natural Mesa in a remote area that bridges the line between western Wyoming and eastern Idaho. The floor plan of the residence consists of two simple rectangles connected by a glazed pavilion serving as both the front and back doors.
The primary mass of the house lies on an east-west axis, parallel to a small creek on the site. Walls that divide the house into public and private spaces are constructed of stabilized rammed earth, with striated layers composed of decomposed lava found on site.
The thermal mass of the rammed earth walls and the concrete floors absorb solar energy, tempering interior temperatures throughout the year. Cantilevered roof overhangs provide shading in summer and allow solar penetration in the winter.
Finishes such as Venetian plaster and polished concrete were selected to provide contrast to the rough concrete and rammed earth textures of the walls.
Shou sugi ban siding defines nonstructural infill between rammed earth walls, modulating the texture and rhythm of the exterior façade. These materials were chosen to stand up to the harsh environment at 7000 feet above sea level.
Bio Ward + Blake Architects is a boutique architectural firm specializing in high end custom residential projects, multi-family residential, hospitality, resort, small commercial and educational facilities. Our process embraces the broader spectrum – we look beyond the immediate programmatic goals and site constraints toward greater overall goals and long-term solutions. Through strategies that respect both the built and bio-climatic environments, we connect people to a cohesive building project that enriches the existing conditions of the site and connects respectfully to nature.
Other prizes 2023 Winner for Ridge 52 Residence BLT Built Design Awards - Architectural Design - Residential 2023 Award of Citation for TCSD No. 1 Administration Bldg. American Institute of Architects Wyoming Chapter 2022 Bronze Award for Alta Cabin International Design Awards - Architecture-Renovation 2020 Design Excellence - Merit Award for CLC "The Ranch" AIA Wyoming - Education Category 2018 Best Luxury Residential Project Wyoming Granite Ridge Residence - Build Architecture Awards 2017 Silver Award for Granite Ridge Residence International Design Awards - New Residential Bldg. 2017 HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards - Overall Winner for EHA Residence, Jackson, Wyoming 2015 Gold Award for Safir Residence International Design Awards - New Residential Bldg. 2013 AIA Western Mountain Region Firm of the Year Western Mountain Region/ American Institute of Architects 2013 Award of Citation for Children’s Learning Center BSA Design Awards – Boston Society of Architects, AIA 2013 Merit Award for Villa di Famiglia Vita Builders Choice & Custom Home Design Awards - Renovation 2012 Architect of the Year for Earthwall II Residence International Design Awards - Architecture 2012 First Prize/ Gold for Earthwall II Residence International Design Awards - New Residential Bldg./ Pro 2012 First Prize/ Gold for Villa Famiglia Vita International Design Awards - Architecture Renovation 2012 Second Prize/ Silver for Children’s Learning Center International Design Awards - Architecture Professional 2012 Top 10 Schools Shortlist for CLC "The Ranch" World Architecture Festival - Singapore 2012 Third Prize/ Bronze for PLC Residence International Design Awards - Architect Conceptual Design 2011 Third Prize/ Bronze for Sharp Residence International Design Awards - Architect Conceptual Design 2011 First Prize/ Gold for Catskills Retreat International Design Awards - Architect Conceptual Design 2011 AIA Wyoming Firm of the Year
