Black Fox Ranch / CLB Architects

Architects: CLB Architects
Area: 6,300 ft²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Aaron Kraft, Matthew Millman, Kevin Scott
Manufacturers: Gaggenau, Kalwall®, cove.tool, Bildau & Bussman, Henrybuilt, Isokern, Ortal, Samuel Heath, Willow Creek Woodworks, Western Red Cedar
Lead Architects: Eric Logan, Leo Naegele
Structural Engineer: KL&A
Landscape: DesignWorkshop
Lighting: Lux Populi
MEP: Energy-1
Contractor: KWC
Water Feature Designer: Water Design
City: Jackson
Country: United States

Black Fox Ranch, designed by CLB Architects in Jackson, USA, revitalizes a 35-acre historic cattle ranch into a modern residence and equestrian facility. Completed in 2020, the project incorporates a low-profile cross-laminated timber home, a barn with stables, and carefully planned outdoor spaces. The design integrates natural materials, panoramic views, and sustainable landscaping, blending conservation goals with contemporary functionality.

Black Fox Ranch by CLB Architects transforms a historic 35-acre cattle ranch in Jackson, USA, into a modern residential and equestrian retreat. The site, adjacent to a grove of cottonwoods and aspens along a former Snake River riverbed, includes a primary residence and a barn with stables. The project pays homage to the site’s past with elements such as irrigation ditches, remnants of a 19th-century trapper’s cabin, and game trails frequented by seasonal wildlife, including a herd of over 400 elk.

The owners envisioned a design that balances their love for wildlife conservation and equestrian culture while honoring the ranch’s historical roots. This vision is reflected in the proximity of the barn, corrals, and pastures to the residence, maintaining a strong connection to the horses. Additionally, the property offers direct access to private riding trails that connect to the Snake River and Grand Teton National Park.

The residence spans 6,300 ft² and adopts a low-slung design that rises gradually from the meadow. The compact second story accommodates the primary bedroom suite and an office that opens to a rooftop deck. The cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof features a gentle slope, creating deep overhangs that shade outdoor terraces. These spaces offer dynamic views of the Teton Mountains to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east, enhancing the integration of the home with its natural surroundings.

The architecture reflects a harmonious blend of rustic and modern elements. The L-shaped layout organizes the primary living spaces, including the kitchen, dining, and living areas, separate from secondary functions such as guest quarters, a gym, and utility rooms. Ground-floor living spaces open to covered outdoor areas featuring amenities such as a fire pit, pizza oven, and natural landscaping that incorporates stands of aspen trees.

A material palette of dark-stained cedar, steel, and board-formed concrete defines the exterior, resonating with the site’s agricultural past. Inside, white oak floors, polished concrete, and custom steel and walnut millwork introduce warmth and texture, complementing the home’s grounded aesthetic. Sustainable landscaping plays a pivotal role in the project. New topsoil and native plantings restore the environment, while a newly established bosque of aspen trees provides shade and enhances the sense of place. Black Fox Ranch exemplifies a thoughtful design approach that integrates contemporary living with historical preservation and conservation values, creating a lasting legacy rooted in equestrian and ecological heritage.