Building Homes in Extreme Conditions
Rugged to Refined
Big-D Signature Resorts & Residences
written by Cassidy Mantor
photography by Audrey Hall
{courtesy of listing agents}
Daimon Bushi & Alan Long
“When you’re a company built on a dream, it’s easy to recognize a dream in others.”
–Big-D Signature
Each day brings the opportunity to be better, create exquisitely, and reach more people. The team at Big-D Signature does not take these opportunities lightly. They work with the nation’s most talented architects and craftsmen to achieve their goals and leave a lasting imprint on the communities they live, work, and play in.
Since 2001, Signature has constructed multi-million-dollar homes in the most extreme conditions and challenging terrain. Like its parent company, Big-D, Signature is on a mission to be the most sought-after construction company in the business. They believe that one team working toward one goal is a creative force with unstoppable possibilities. They have the resources to harness that potential and their focus accelerates their passion for what they build and how they serve their customers.
Signature reaches further and creates unique projects that transform familiar elements of stone, glass, wood, and concrete into structures that live in harmony with the landscape – while also complementing the lives of those who occupy them. Their website says it best: “When you’re a company built on a dream, it’s easy to recognize a dream in others.” They are proudly dedicated to turning dreams into realities. In addition to their office in Jackson, Wyoming, started in 2001, Signature opened a second office in Park City, Utah, in 2016. Their business is 70% high-end residential, and several of their projects have won awards such as “Home of the Year,” been featured in numerous magazines, and recently, partnered in publishing their second book.
Signature is fanatical about craftsmanship, relentless about details, and unyielding in their drive to be the best in the industry. They’re mindful of ensuring that their clients feel empowered and informed, and that they are getting great results as well as value.
Not everyone wants to drive an hour and a half up a mountain on dirt roads to a potential home site. Such remoteness and the challenge of getting into town for groceries or other conveniences would deter many buyers, not to mention builders, from extremely rugged terrain. Weather, steep mountainsides, snow removal, and varying soil conditions between rock and clay make material delivery logistically challenging. Working in remote locations surrounding resort communities means that only the best builders will last. With limited craftspeople in these towns, the builders who treat those subcontractors and vendors fairly and ethically will in turn ensure proper service and value for their clients.
Signature is fanatical about craftsmanship, relentless about details, and unyielding in their drive to be the best in the industry. They’re mindful of ensuring that their clients feel empowered and informed, and that they are getting great results as well as value. Their mountain resorts and awe-inspiring residences coexist in landscapes from coast to coast. Signature’s team is hard-wired to put a part of themselves into everything they build. Their homes are as personal and important to the team as they are to those for whom they are created.
THE CASCADE HOUSE
At an elevation of 4,500 feet sits the 8,000-square-foot Cascade House, a modern creation with segmented roof pitches that flow in a serpentine shape and complement nearby ridge lines. The Park City home took 22 months to complete and utilizes a unique blend of steel, glass, concrete, and stone. The owners wanted a “mountainside gem,” and renowned architect Wallace Cunningham designed the house to capture magnificent views in every direction.
Built by Big-D Signature, the home is gently terraced down a mountainside and gives an intimate sensory experience of unity with the land. The entryway features a pivoting glass door that opens to a steel and glass elevator and a floating walnut staircase. Natural materials and light are balanced against shadows and angular compositions that suggest a deeper sense of being part of the greater ecosystem. The structure comes alive, as if there is no barrier between one’s breath and the home’s own respiration. Diverse materials inside tell an environmental story that complements the organic exterior footprint.
Natural materials and light are balanced against shadows and angular compositions that suggest a deeper sense of being part of the greater ecosystem. The structure comes alive, as if there is no barrier between one’s breath and the home’s own respiration.
An extraordinary sectioned zinc roof articulates over the terrain and provides a sense of motion, making the house feel as though it is a living being articulating its movement through the landscape. Expansive glass partitions between the rooms and clerestory windows allow the sun to shine in from all angles. Interior doors made of solid walnut, polished and cleaved stone flooring, and ledger stone walls artfully ground the house in its place. The house is innovative and edgy, and yet it also welcomes guests with a flourish of comfort and intriguing hospitality.
The Cascade House is a great example of how Big-D Signature finds balance between the building and the lifestyle that clients envision for themselves in their houses. The team at Big-D Signature lives and works in the towns they build in, and actively strives to improve their building practices to produce better designs more efficiently that fit within the landscape and solve the problems of reducing environmental impact. As Josh Kaze, Residential Project Director with Big-D Signature, shares, “Every project is different and comes with its own challenges. It is very rewarding to face an issue head-on and work through it with an outstanding group of seasoned architects and trade professionals as well as up-and-comers who help us solve ‘problems.’ Our talented architectural and trade partners are a critical component of the future of design, and collaborating with them has led to some of our most unique and distinctive features of past projects.”
“We have a proven history of building all phases of these projects through the harshest times of the year. We have learned tips and tricks on how to adapt to these conditions, including finding the most efficient ways to heat and protect the job site and our crew. We aim to create an environment where everyone can focus on the actual work and not be distracted by the weather conditions.”
–Shandon Brinkerhoff, Vice President, Big-D Signature
Signature, along with its partners, enjoys when projects allow them to use building science to create better ecosystems for people living in wild places. Efficiency and low environmental impact are at the forefront of their approach. Highly efficient homes fit within the landscape and – from an energy use standpoint – have a more favorable footprint. The company reduces environmental impact by creating site plans that place the driveway and house in locations that are already optimized for them. That approach minimizes labor and materials required to cut the land during the construction phase. During the building process, Big-D Signature focuses on the home’s envelope and ACH, or air changes per hour, a term used in the building industry to measure how much air will leak out of a house. Focusing on building a tight envelope means a higher-performing home that is more comfortable and sustainable.
Comfort was also a key priority in the Cascade House. At high elevations, the sun intensely impacts the temperature of the house, making solar heat gain another consideration. This home’s geometry means that at least one window is always receiving natural light during daytime hours, but Cascade House also offers shady areas and advanced internal systems that ensure maximum comfort inside and out. Big-D Signature designed landscaping and overhangs to help neutralize solar heat gain, and cutting-edge design and masterful execution make this project one of Signature’s toughest and grandest.
“Every project is different and comes with its own challenges. It is very rewarding to face an issue head-on and work through it with an outstanding group of seasoned architects and trade professionals as well as up-and-comers who help us solve ‘problems.’ Our talented architectural and trade partners are a critical component of the future of design, and collaborating with them has led to some of our most unique and distinctive features of past projects.”
–Josh Kaze, Residential Project Director, Big-D Signature
BUILDING A DREAM
Shandon Brinkerhoff, Vice President at Big-D Signature, explains, “We have a proven history of building all phases of these projects through the harshest times of the year. We have learned tips and tricks on how to adapt to these conditions, including finding the most efficient ways to heat and protect the job site and our crew. We aim to create an environment where everyone can focus on the actual work and not be distracted by the weather conditions.”
Although the views might be epic and the privacy unparalleled, elevation and ease of access can make or break the team building a dream home. They not only get the job done, but the team also works to reduce the impact that building has on the environment, balancing disturbance to the community with the greater ecosystem.
Signature is so strong in extreme situations because it evolved from a large general contractor with a 50-year history in business. Their capabilities are rooted in deeply proven commercial concepts and refined for high-end residential work. Their home building experience bridges the gap between commercial efficiency and residential goals and ideals.
“Teamwork, consistent processes, and passion for the project are the differences between good construction and great construction,” says Kaze. “When you have synergy between the owner, the architect, the designer, and the construction team, that is the difference between great construction and fanatical construction. Every member of our Big-D Signature team has a passion for what they do, and it shows in the results. Communication is vital. We realize that without a clear process and plan, good communication becomes an attempt, not a result. We focus on quality estimates, accurate schedules, nailing all the details, and working with great trade partners.”
Once the details of the project are in place, Signature works with its partners to create legacy projects. Over 53 years, Big-D has developed longstanding relationships with tradespeople who are masters of their crafts. They’re honest, reliable, and always willing to stand behind their work. “We are very grateful to the amazing trade workers who show up to our job sites every day and produce the best craft that can be found,” says Kaze. “At Big-D Signature, we are very proud of the strong relationships we have developed and we believe it provides us with an edge over the competition.”
THE JACKSON HOUSE
Situated on a butte 1,000 feet above the valley floor at over 6,200 feet of elevation, the 10,000-square-foot Jackson House enjoys expansive, 180-degree views including the Grand Teton Range, Sleeping Indian, the Snake and Gros Ventre River bottoms, and much more. Italian-made steel windows allow for thermal efficiency while framing a top-notch view from each living space. The kitchen features a wood-fired pizza oven, French range stovetop, and white glass cabinets that reflect magnificent views, effectively bringing the outdoors inside. The blend of contemporary and rustic materials including reclaimed timber, stone, Venetian plaster, glass, chestnut floors and doors, Brombal windows, and Corten steel flow together harmoniously.
The house is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and detail – the result of a successful collaboration with JLF & Associates, WRJ Design, and Verdone Landscape Architects. True to Big-D Signature’s emphasis on sustainability, the Jackson House was constructed using reclaimed materials from the historic Pipestone Hotel. Once touted as the “Greatest Health Resort in the Rocky Mountain Regions,” the hotel was a favorite Montana vacation site during the 20th century. The resort closed in the 1960s, and many of the buildings were abandoned. When the main lodge went up for sale, these Jackson homeowners jumped at the opportunity to salvage a piece of regional history.
“This project was uniquely challenging with regard to extreme winter conditions. We built through two harsh winters on the top of the north side of a butte.”
–Shandon Brinkerhoff, Vice President, Big-D Signature
As Brinkerhoff reflects, “This project was uniquely challenging with regard to extreme winter conditions. We built through two harsh winters on the top of the north side of a butte.” Indeed, coordinating everything from material deliveries to manpower took additional operational expertise. Teton Pass closes every year to trailer traffic and heavy loads, and although there is another way into the valley, it adds more time. Occasionally during this build, inclement weather and avalanches closed both routes into the valley, potentially bringing construction to a halt.
Deeper along in the process, sub-zero temperatures and prolonged cold spells created challenges with excavation of the earth, recompacting soil, pouring concrete, and having it hydrate and cure correctly. Winter temperatures in the mountains consistently require extraordinary measures to protect and heat soil and/or concrete. Those materials and elemental challenges compound with the impact that cold weather has on the craftspeople doing the work on site. Snow and ice present ongoing challenges including how to transport crews and materials to projects, and de-icing requires careful planning.
In addition to procuring mechanical heating and insulation systems for the building envelope that protected the structure and crew in the colder months, snow accumulation was another factor that Signature expertly navigated during the two winters while building this home. “Being flexible and working around these unpredictable events is something we have become accustomed to,” Brinkerhoff shares. Aside from snow being an obstacle to work, it can also be a pretty significant distraction. He wryly adds, “Most of the workforce lives in this area of the country in order to be able to recreate, so sick days often occur in sequence with powder days.” Echoing the same sentiment that Kaze shared, Signature expertly finds the balance between ethically building for more people to experience the lifestyle while simultaneously living it.
“Being flexible and working around these unpredictable events is something we have become accustomed to. Aside from snow being an obstacle to work, it can also be a pretty significant distraction. Most of the workforce lives in this area of the country in order to be able to recreate, so sick days often occur in sequence with powder days.”
–Shandon Brinkerhoff, Vice President, Big-D Signature
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BUILDING IN AN EXTREME CLIMATE
Aside from cost implications and being able to withstand the elements, a main goal of Signature’s clients is to find a balance with city life and be inspired by the wilderness. Signature’s builds share the lifestyle of these places in a welcoming manner aligned with sustainable growth. Brinkerhoff adds that in addition to bringing a desire to live the mountain lifestyle, having patience is also a very important consideration in the building equation.
The earlier a builder is brought into the project, the better it is for the budget. Signature’s approach unifies the client, architect, designer, and contractor to work together as one team. The company prioritizes two goals: ensuring that the client is getting value for their project and executing the project on time, on schedule, and on budget. “In our opinion, the earlier in project that the team comes together, the better the outcome of the project,” Kaze says. Signature assists homeowners as early as potential lot selection and acquisitions to provide feedback on constructability – such as estimated cost implications of site conditions.
Clients do not need to have complete building plans when they contact Signature. The ideal scenario to start construction is to have plans approved by the owner and a permit approved as soon as the weather breaks in the spring. “We realize that isn’t always a reality,” Brinkerhoff says. “Being a part of the preconstruction team allows us to make recommendations to the customer as far as when the right time to start their project may be. It is always a calculated decision based on weighing the cost of building in the winter versus schedule completion expectations.”
Signature’s preconstruction process further ensures that the project is set up for success. The team’s job is to give clients timely and accurate feedback related to the budget and schedule. This empowers and informs the client so they can make the best decision. Another advantage of Signature’s preconstruction service is the value engineering they offer in design. It is not uncommon to save hundreds of thousands of dollars for the client as they go through the preconstruction service.
In 2021, Signature brought on its first in-house architect. Having that individual at the ready allows the company to offer a true design-build experience, leveling up how they serve their customers. Kaze shares, “Good design requires cycles of creativity followed by technical action steps, and you must know when to toggle back and forth between those cycles. If done right, this mindful level of creative execution produces a quality work of art.”
“Being a part of the preconstruction team allows us to make recommendations to the customer as far as when the right time to start their project may be. It is always a calculated decision based on weighing the cost of building in the winter versus schedule completion expectations.”
–Josh Kaze, Residential Project Director, Big-D Signature
Processes coupled with personnel that can execute those processes are what allows Signature’s parent company, Big-D Companies, to build billion-dollar projects – like the Salt Lake Airport – and finish on time and below budget. Signature inherited that DNA and has a proven history of its own exceeding homeowners’ expectations for two decades. Their foundation is built on respect – giving equal respect to employees and customers; on people – assembling the best people in the business; and on truth – building with truth and completing the work they say they’ll do. Being guided by respect, people, and truth allows Signature to strive for even higher standards of excellence, to push boundaries, and to continue evolving into the most sought-after group of companies in the business.
On November 2, 1967, a 30-year-old carpenter named Dee Livingood sold his blue Volkswagen for $1,000 and risked everything he had to start his own business. His nickname “Big-Dee” inspired the name for Big-D Construction. With a blue Volkswagen and a vision, Big Dee’s founding culture continues to inspire Signature. “We aren’t perfect, but we strive to do the right things,” is the prevailing ethos. In the early years of Big-D Construction, all deals were generally settled with a handshake. By the late 1990s, Big-D Construction remained one of the leaders in the commercial construction industry in Utah and made the leap to start their first high-end residential homes, giving Big-D Signature its start.
Being a part of a larger construction firm affords them the ability to lean on the company for support in areas other contractors may not be able to. They are fully aware that residential single-family residences are a much different situation than large commercial projects, but the goals are the same. Brinkerhoff says, “Our attention to detail and execution of a luxury custom home product is never sacrificed. Quality is always our priority.”
Up next for Big-D Signature are projects reaching from sea level in Maine to the Silent Desert of southern Utah, to ones at 9,000 feet of elevation in Park City and Jackson. With snow in the air and the excitement that winter brings to the West’s most rugged terrain, the team at Big-D Signature encourages clients to call the preconstruction team and schedule an introductory meeting to begin transforming the dream of living in a destination resort community into a beautiful reality.
