preserving history, embracing nature: CLB architects’ black fox ranch in jackson, wyoming
contemporary design meets rural heritage
Black Fox Ranch, located in Jackson, Wyoming and designed by CLB Architects, is a recently completed home that pays homage to the rich history of its rural site, which once served as a working cattle ranch, while embracing the clients’ love for wildlife, conservation, and equestrianism.
Nestled next to a band of cottonwoods and aspens that mark the former riverbed of the Snake River, the ranch encompasses a couple’s primary residence and a barn with stables. The design and planning of Black Fox Ranch draw inspiration from the site’s past, which includes remnants of a 19th-century trapper’s cabin, 100-year-old irrigation ditches, corrals, and game trails frequented by hundreds of elk during the season.
image © Mathew Millman | @matthewmillmanphoto
created for lovers of wildlife
The clients’ appreciation for wildlife and conservation, as well as their passion for horses and desire to restore the land to its historic roots as a working ranch, influenced their choice of site. The barn, corral, and pastures are strategically located close to the residence, ensuring that the horses are a constant visual presence in the landscape. Additionally, the neighborhood offers access to miles of private riding trails that lead to the Snake River and Grand Teton National Park, further immersing the residents in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
image © Mathew Millman
the design by clb architects
CLB Architects designs the main house at Black Fox Ranch as a low-slung, three-bedroom structure that gradually rises from the meadow, with a compact second story that houses the primary bedroom suite and an office suite with access to a rooftop deck. The roof is constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT), and its long, low slope is designed with deep overhangs that create shelter for an outdoor dining terrace, framing panoramic views of the Teton Mountains to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east.
image © Mathew Millman
The exterior spaces of the residence are thoughtfully composed, wrapping around the building and providing access to sweeping views and a choice of sun or shade throughout the day. The elemental forms and materials used in the construction of the house and barn pay homage to the site’s history, with a material palette that includes dark-stained cedar, steel, and board-formed concrete. The L-shaped plan of the residence separates the main living spaces from secondary areas, with the living, dining, kitchen, den, and primary bedroom opening up to sheltered outdoor areas that feature a fire pit, pizza oven, and a stand of Aspen trees.
image © Mathew Millman
inside black fox ranch
Inside, the material palette continues to create a sense of warmth and grounding. White oak and polished concrete floors, custom steel, and walnut millwork add to the earthy and natural aesthetic of the space, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The ranch has also been restored with new topsoil and native seeding, and a bosque of aspen trees has been planted to introduce shade and establish a sense of placemaking.
image © Mathew Millman
Black Fox Ranch is a legacy project that allows the owners to return to their equestrian roots while bringing the historic ranch into the future. It is a testament to thoughtful and intentional design that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, paying homage to the site’s history and creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding wilderness. CLB Architects have masterfully crafted a residence and barn that not only serves as a functional and sustainable living space but also tells a story of conservation, history, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Jackson, Wyoming.