From Beach to Mountains: A Pasadena Designer’s Park City Transformation
For Kirsten Molz, the allure of the ocean once overshadowed any fondness for mountain landscapes. However, a family rental in Park City, Utah, at the onset of the pandemic prompted a significant shift in perspective.
An Unexpected Mountain Dream
“I had always envisioned an oceanfront property,” stated Ms. Molz, 51, a Pasadena, California-based interior designer. This aspiration changed when she and her husband sought refuge in Park City in June 2020, accompanied by two children, three friends, and three dogs.
“The beauty of this place was undeniable,” Ms. Molz recounted. “Sitting outdoors, overlooking the mid-mountain trail and observing hikers, I experienced a profound sense of belonging.”
Swift Decision to Build a Legacy Home
Upon sharing her newfound aspiration with her husband, action was immediate. “He contacted a real estate agent within minutes,” Ms. Molz recalled. Their vision: to construct a residence serving initially as a holiday retreat, potentially evolving into a future retirement haven. Crucially, they desired a space that would entice their adult children — Emma, 28, Charlie, 26, and Ollie, 20 — to visit frequently.
Securing a Mountain Meadow
After exploring several development sites, the couple finalized the purchase of an eight-acre mountainside parcel, featuring a meadow framed by aspen trees, for $2.5 million in September.
Ms. Molz envisioned a sophisticated, modernist dwelling, departing from conventional rustic mountain architecture. Her inspiration drew from the nature-integrated structure showcased in the 2014 film “Ex Machina.”
Architectural Collaboration and Vision
An online search for architects led her to Sparano & Mooney Architecture. “Their website instantly conveyed their capability to realize my vision,” Ms. Molz explained.
Anne Mooney, a principal at the firm, embraced the project enthusiastically. “The site was exceptional, and the prospect of designing a forever home was truly exciting,” Ms. Mooney noted.
Designing for “Forest Bathing”
In the ensuing months, Ms. Mooney and her team conducted multiple site visits, carefully considering the optimal placement of the house to maximize the inherent beauty of the terrain. “Our design philosophy centered on the site experience and the concept of forest bathing,” she elaborated, referring to the practice of mindfully immersing oneself in nature.
Consequently, the architectural firm integrated the 8,200-square-foot home’s ground level into the hillside and strategically separated upper-floor rooms to enhance their connection to the surrounding landscape.
Bridging Nature and Modern Living
“The home ascends with the terrain, with key areas interconnected by glass bridges,” which Ms. Mooney describes as sun-drenched corridors. “These transparent bridges, flanked by aspen trees, create an immersive forest experience while traversing them.”
Specifically, one glass bridge unites the main living area with the primary suite; another links the entryway to the mudroom and garage. The exterior is further defined by thermally-treated pine siding, selected for enhanced longevity.
Interior Selections for Warmth and Elegance
Inside, Ms. Molz opted for white oak flooring and cabinetry, complemented by creamy off-white gauzy plaster for numerous walls and ceilings. “My aim was to evoke warmth, ensuring a sense of comfort and preventing any yearning for California during the winter months,” she clarified.
Custom Details and Unique Furnishings
The custom home build provided the opportunity to incorporate cherished items, including a matte black Lacanche range in the kitchen and hand-painted silk wallpaper from Griffin & Wong, depicting avian and floral motifs, for the library. A bespoke pool table from Los Angeles-based Cooper Reynolds Gross, featuring a white-oak top for dining conversion, was also installed in the library.
“We opted against a formal dining room,” Ms. Molz explained, “but this space readily accommodates large gatherings for holiday meals.”
Blending Vintage and Contemporary Décor
Furniture selections combined midcentury modern vintage pieces with plush contemporary upholstered items for relaxation. These included an oversized sectional from Restoration Hardware and swivel chairs in textured fabric from Lawson-Fenning in the living room. Landscape architecture firm EPT Design, also based in Pasadena, collaborated on the hillside design surrounding the house, incorporating stone steps from the primary bedroom leading to the sauna.
Project Completion and Exceeded Expectations
Construction, initiated in June 2021 by Upland Development, concluded in August 2023, with a build cost of approximately $600 per square foot.
Currently enjoying the completed mountain retreat, Ms. Molz expressed complete satisfaction. “It has genuinely surpassed our expectations in every aspect,” she affirmed, emphasizing the home’s appeal to her children. “It serves as an ideal hub for family gatherings and shared moments.”