The town of Alpine, in the north of Utah County, was named by settlers in the mid-19th century for the resemblance between the local mountains and the European Alps. Here, in the scenic Three Falls area close to a mountain stream, a peaceful refuge has been created for a Salt Lake City family seeking escape from the urban bustle. Surrounded by fir and poplar woods, the residence features a sequence of terraces and platforms that open onto the landscape, mirroring its colours and forms. A stream flows past the house, cascading into waterfalls that provide not only a dramatic view but also a powerful sensory experience.
The architectural design was assigned to Ward Young Architects: “Large windows offer breathtaking views from every angle, blurring the distinction between the interiors and exteriors. The double-height living room, with its sloping wooden roof, corner windows and large sliding doors, provides total immersion in the landscape and its sounds.Throughout the house, the flow of water breaking over the pale limestone rocks becomes a constant presence, creating a unique sensory atmosphere.” The interiors, designed by Obicua srl, display the same sense of continuity and respect for both the architecture and its natural setting. As the designers explain: “The light grey and beige tones, inspired by the rocks on which the house stands, are reflected in the fabrics used for the chairs and sofas. The materials were carefully chosen to balance natural and artificial light, the latter provided by wall lamps, floor lamps and spotlights that create an intimate yet elegant atmosphere.” To complete the project, bespoke furnishings handcrafted in Italy for each room bring a touch of contemporary refinement, transforming the residence into a unique, fully customised home.
With offices in Rome and Milan and a branch in the United States, Obicua srl consistently selects materials of the highest technical and aesthetic quality, favouring Italian-made products for their reliability and excellence. For this project, the ground-floor living area required a light-coloured, durable material with a continuous surface, to contrast with the ceiling and with the wood and black iron furnishings. The designers opted for 90×90 cm large-format tiles (thickness 9 mm) from Lea Ceramiche’s Nextone collection in the Next White shade, which conveys the “warm freshness” of stone while visually expanding the space. This flooring, combined with handcrafted Italian furniture, strikes a balance of elegance and contemporary style throughout the home.
