Riverbend / CLB Architects

Architects: CLB Architects
Year: 2018
Photographs: Matthew Millman, Tom Harris
Manufacturers: Dornbracht, Duravit, Sherwin-Williams, Cassina, Design Within Reach, Foscarini, Minotti, Poliform, Poltrona Frau, Restoration Hardware, Roll & Hill, Tacchini, Toto, Victoria & Albert, Waterworks, Yerra Rugs
Lead Architects: Eric Logan, Kevin Burke, Bryan James, Leo Naegele, Libby Erker
General Contractor: Peak Builders
Landscape Architect: Hershberger Design
Mechanical Engineer: JM Engineers PLLC
Geotechnical Engineer: Jorgensen Geotechnical, LLC
Structural Engineer: KL&A, Inc.
Civil Engineer: Nelson Engineering
Design Team: Jennifer Mei, Libby Erker
Electrical & Lighting: Helius Lighting Group
City: Jackson, Wyoming
Country: United States

Riverbend, a family retreat designed by CLB Architects in Jackson, Wyoming, is situated on an 18-acre wooded site along the Snake River, near Grand Teton National Park. Completed in 2018, the 6,257-square-foot residence is elevated six feet above the natural ground to enhance its relationship with the landscape. The project consists of a main house and a guest house, arranged around a deck and an aspen grove, with deep overhangs and floor-to-ceiling glazing reinforcing the connection to nature. Durable materials, including board-formed concrete, steel plate, and cedar, provide resilience against the region’s climate while allowing the structure to age naturally within its environment. A riverside terrace extends the living areas outdoors, offering direct access to the water. Over time, the steel exterior will develop a patina, further integrating the house into its surroundings.

Riverbend is a private retreat set along the east bank of the Snake River, adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. The residence is located on an 18-acre wooded property, where the river forms the north and west boundaries. Tall cottonwood trees frame expansive views of the mountains beyond. A detailed study of the site’s conditions led CLB Architects to elevate the 6,257-square-foot structure six feet above the natural ground plane. This design approach enhances the house’s connection to the river while mitigating potential environmental impacts.

The architectural composition consists of a main house and a guest house, positioned around a south-facing deck and an aspen grove. Both structures rest on board-formed concrete bases, providing durability and a strong visual foundation. The exterior is wrapped in steel plate, selected for its low maintenance, resilience to harsh weather, and fire resistance. Deep-set niches clad in cedar, along with floor-to-ceiling glazing, contribute to the home’s seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. A series of exterior decks connect the two structures, reinforcing spatial continuity.

The main house features a double-height glazed entry, which extends toward the driveway, creating a striking approach. On the river-facing side, a covered deck runs the length of the home, rising to a second-story terrace on the east. This multi-purpose outdoor space extends the living room, dining area, and kitchen while providing direct access to the river through a series of stepped platforms.

The material palette balances strength with warmth. Cedar siding, punctuated by vertical cedar fins, creates shifting shadows that change throughout the day, adding texture and visual depth. Over time, the steel exterior will develop a natural patina, transitioning from black to rust, allowing the home to further blend with its surroundings.

Inside, cedar-clad walls and ceilings establish a warm and inviting atmosphere. Board-formed concrete elements serve as structural anchors, framing the open-plan living spaces. The main level features a concrete floor, while the upper level is finished with beech wood, complementing the natural tones of the interior. The restrained architectural palette allows furnishings and personal elements to introduce color and texture, reflecting the client’s individuality. Through a careful balance of materiality, spatial openness, and connection to nature, Riverbend serves as a quiet retreat, fully immersed in its surrounding landscape.