Hirvela Residence

Reinterpeting the log cabin and set carefully into the sloping ski hill topography, the house is syncronized to the site with sod roofs while utility space is buried below grade and living space is exposed to the natural views. Custom cedar siding, with concealed fasteners, rises above the utilitarian board formed concrete base to create a natural yet maintenance friendly palette. Triple glazed windows, super insulation, and double weatherstripping create a tight building envelope. While radiant floors and a state of the art HVAC system provide energy efficient comfort and healthy interiors.

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.

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