Architecture and interiors studio McKinley Burkart has designed a mountain ski retreat for a family of five, located in British Columbia, Canada. The home is located in one of the most desirable ski destinations in British Columbia, the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, fresh powdery mountains and ridiculously long downhill ski runs. It is essentially the place to be if you are an avid downhill skier.

The Calgary-based couple selected their custom homesite based on the rugged beauty. As a vacation home, this area had everything the family could possibly want. As avid snowboarders, skiers, and mountain bicyclists, the residents of this recreational home were looking for a house that respected its rugged environment. The couple also loves to entertain, so they requested the architects design a cozy mountain retreat infused with modern touches.

The heavy timber and stone slab structure offers 4,500 square feet of living space, there is no drywall, just large expanses of glass and walls of wood paneling. The addition of heavy timbers on the ceilings and wood flooring helps to create a warm and inviting feel within the chilly Rocky Mountains.

Interesting Fact: This impressive mountain home was just recently used as the backdrop for a major clothing label’s winter catalog.

This resort-style home incorporates natural materials in its design, blending in with its mountain environment. The home is called “Flatwillow”, named after the unique Montana Sandstone rock walls, applied to both the exterior and interior living spaces. The stone was field picked with the natural lichen left intact.

The beautiful stone is complimented by the use of fir and cedar used in both the exterior and interior wall finishes and millwork. To create a rustic aesthetic, the timbers have been charred and wire brushed. Expansive use of windows throughout the home helps to perfectly capture the magnificent mountain vistas.

The home is spread out over three levels that are interconnected by an open staircase, which was designed to feel like a modern mineshaft. The lowest level encompasses a family room, grotto-like hot tub, two guest bedroom suites, and a mudroom that leads out to the ski hills. The second level is all about family and entertainment.

With a spacious top-of-the-line kitchen and breakfast nook, dining and wine room, and a living room with a floor-to-ceiling, double-sided fireplace. On the other wall of the fireplace is an outdoor fieldstone deck, which can be enjoyed throughout the year. The upper level contains the master bedroom suite, along with a spacious bunk room with a bathroom for all three of their sons.

What We Love: This beautiful mountain ski retreat not only offers sumptuous living spaces but wonderful views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. We especially love the living room with its lichen-flecked, sandstone-clad fireplace, it’s a really eye-catching focal point to the space. Surrounded by walls of glass, this spot probably gets a lot of use!… readers, what is your favorite feature of this home?

More: Have a look at some other inspiring home tours we have featured here on One Kindesign from Mckinley Burkart Architects.

Photos: Gibeon Photography