Written by: Sarah Ericson
Moving quietly through The Preserve, open space stretches in every direction. The Wasatch Range cuts the skyline, and the Uinta Range rises in the distance. Hawks Nest Lodge reveals itself, almost as if it’s part of the land rather than built on top of it. Perched above one of Park City’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the private luxury residence reaches along the hillside, integrated into the panoramic view, elevated in stature, and grounded in the feeling of home. A Park City residence balances expansive views with architecture designed for lasting connection
CONCEPT & COLLABORATION
Every project begins with a concept, and successful projects turn concept into results when the entire team is unified from the beginning. Otto/Walker Architects and PJ Builders have delivered several successful homes together over their careers, and Hawks Nest Lodge is the latest feather in their collective cap.
“The inspiration,” says Pete Olson, founder and owner of PJ Builders, “was rooted in the clients’ shared vision. He was drawn to the idea of a cabin in the woods, and she wanted a home centered around family.” This concept took root immediately in the initial design phase. “The clients’ clear vision,” says Rick Otto, founder and principal architect of Otto/Walker Architects, “was a traditional mountain home containing all the aspects of what you need living day-to-day.”
“WITH THE WHOLE TEAM TOGETHER FROM THE BEGINNING THE ARCHITECT, THE BUILDER, AND THE INTERIOR D ESIGNER — YOU GET COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE.”
Though those needs might seem universal, there’s a wide variety of requests from clients in Park City’s luxury residential market. Often, projects are additional homes, retreats, or ski trip getaways. The owners of Hawks Nest Lodge, however, were seeking a primary residence with cozy living areas and additional spaces that would accommodate the next generation of their growing family.
In regard to location, Rick had a singular focus: the view. “Wherever we are, the criteria is how we can best take advantage of the lot. And with this project, we designed for a view in every room,” he says. Maximizing the view’s integration was one of the primary requests of the clients. With this in mind, the team set forth creating a refined mountain retreat that would be grounded, comfortable, and blend effortlessly with the natural environment.
Otto/Walker’s Project Architect Ben Jaworski worked with Rick’s early concept designs and saw the project through to its completion. When the plans were finalized, Pete and his team at PJ Builders broke ground and completed the build in 18 months. “With the whole team together from the beginning—the architect, the builder, and the interior designer—you get collective intelligence,” says Pete. “Early involvement is key to help align expectations, budget, and buildability.”
While Otto/Walker and PJ Builders had worked together in the past, working with Alder and Tweed Design Co. was a first for both firms. “We were all going in the same direction and bouncing ideas off everybody,” says Pete. The assembled team also had a crucial fourth component in the homeowners. Regarding materials and interior finishes, “the owners were absolutely part of the team,” remembers Ben. Decisiveness, trust, and communication were the foundation, and the cohesive team accomplished great things on schedule.
“INTEGRATING EXTERIOR DESIGN FEATURES IN THE INTERIOR WAS A FUN PART OF THE DESIGN P ROCES. THE TRANSITIONS FROM EXTERIOR TO INTERIOR ARE SEAMLESS , CREATING AN IMMEDIATE SENSE OF WARMTH AND PERMANENCE.”
CUSTOMIZATION FROM START TO FINISH
Delivering the clients’ goals relied to an extent on the site’s allowances, and Ben and Pete tackled those challenges during pre-construction. “Managing water and erosion on the hillside location was a top priority before we even broke ground,” says Ben. Thoughtfully designed structural components and strategic material selections achieved stability while also delivering a pleasing aesthetic that is harmonious with the landscape.
Both Ben and Pete note that blending aesthetics with function was paramount during every stage of the project. “Integrating exterior design features in the interior was a fun part of the design process,” says Ben. And the design translated to the construction phase, to the delight of everyone on the team. “The transitions from exterior to interior are seamless, creating an immediate sense of warmth and permanence,” says Pete.
“WE’RE NOT JUST GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS TO BUILD ANY HOME. WE’RE DOING IT TO BUILD THEIR HOME .”
-Rick Otto, Founder/Principal Architect, Otto/Walker Architects
The interior spaces were shaped by an additional client request, one that set this project apart from other standard builds. “The owners have a large collection of furniture from their time spent working and living all over the world,” says Rick. “Their pieces are unique and personal, and designing around those specifications was an opportunity to truly customize the interior areas,” adds Ben.
Throughout the 7,000 square feet of living area, which includes six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the home was designed and built to feel warm and inviting. “It’s not about excess, it’s about restraint, balance, and craftsmanship,” says Pete. And since the furniture was a consideration from the beginning, this personalized customization led the project from start to finish. “We’re not just going through the process to build any home,” notes Rick, “we’re doing it to build their home.”
COMFORT AND CONNECTION
While the house was designed spatially with certain objects in mind, its central focus was always on people. The day-to-day living, the ability to host loved ones during holidays and vacations, and the capacity to welcome new members to the family throughout the years were guiding forces for Otto/Walker Architects and PJ Builders.
“We built a large bunkroom, one of the most meaningful spaces in the home, designed with the client’s growing number of grandchildren in mind,” Pete says. “They’re looking to the future.”
“THE THINGS YOU NEED FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, DAY-TO-DAY, LIKE GARAGES AND STORAGE SPACE, IMMEDIATELY TELLS YOU THAT PEOPLE INTEND TO LIVE IN THE HOME.”
-Rick Otto, Founder/Principal Architect, Otto/Walker Architects
Yet rather than overbuilding or over-designing for an unknown future, every element was thoughtfully considered to give the house an immediate feeling of home.
Hawks Nest Lodge certainly has no shortage of amenities from the impressive porte-cochère to the wine bar, but it’s the spaces built for energy, connection, and memory-making that stand out. “At its core, it’s a home that brings people together,” says Pete. Both inside and outside, there are countless areas for friends and family to gather. The kitchen, dining area, and living rooms are spacious, airy, and warm; the hot tub, sauna, and pickleball and basketball courts are lively and playful. The 360-degree view from every area fully embraces the surroundings and grounds the home in Utah’s expansive natural world. Rick also notes that the owners’ requests were practical and functional. “The things you need for an active lifestyle, day-to-day, like garages and storage space, immediately tells you that people intend to live in the home,” he says.
“AT ITS CORE, IT’S A HOME THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.”
Delivering everything the clients wanted while adhering to a strict timeline was accomplished due to the decades of experience of both firms. Otto/Walker Architects began designing homes in 1987, and PJ Builders has been building since 1997. Their familiarity with the terrain, administrative codes and guidelines, and the evolving needs of homeowners equips them to deliver to the highest level of excellence.
Hawks Nest Lodge reflects that experience, but more importantly, it reflects the owners’ vision of today’s home and tomorrow’s future, brought to life by the minds, hearts, and hands of Otto/Walker Architects and PJ Builders.
whj PROFILE
