Credit (all images): Krafty Photos. Courtesy of Hacin…
Granite Ridge chalet doesn’t announce itself from afar. Set into the mountainside in Jackson Hole, WY, the 6,800-square-foot home by Hacin melds with the surrounding landscape thanks to a low-slung profile and material palette evocative of the terrain. With architecture by Hacin, its pitched roofs and layered volumes catch the shifting light like part of the rock face it’s named for, never pulling too much attention.
Inside, the firm’s careful vision feels present but not overbearing. Hand-carved railings, stitched leather, and textured stone riff on alpine traditions without tipping into cliché, while the colors—soft reds, moss greens, muted golds—have the uncanny effect of shifting with the seasons outside. Materiality plays a pivotal role in the dwelling, which was built to accommodate skiing, gathering, and basking in nature. Stitched leather and polished stone are tuned to withstand time and weather while Atlas granite, weathered cedar, and board-formed concrete evoke the surrounding ecosystem of Greater Yellowstone.
Below, we take a closer look with president and creative director David Hacin, senior associate and designer Darien Fortier, and associate and interior designer Rebecca Rivers.
David Hacin: The Jackson Hole ski resort emerged as a visionary project in the early 1960s, inspired by the charm of European mountain communities and enriched by the contributions of legendary ski champions from Austria and Switzerland. Our client, drawn to those Alpine traditions, and knowledgeable of my Swiss heritage, embraced the idea of incorporating the clean, straightforward forms that characterize classic mountain design. It was equally important to honor natural, locally sourced materials with forms that feel rooted in the rugged landscape of Wyoming.
We aimed to create something that stood out for its simplicity and harmony. Our vision was to craft a true mountain home—one designed to nurture generations of an active, spirited family deeply connected to the Tetons and their enduring love for the landscape.
This home is about legacy, connection, and place—a refined yet unpretentious retreat where the architecture complements, rather than competes with, the grandeur of its surroundings.
What colors and materials are central to the visual identity?
Darien Fortier: Western red cedar, local granite, quartzite, and bronze were used both inside and out, reinforcing a strong connection between the exterior and interior. We developed a digitally fabricated pattern motif, our contemporary interpretation of traditional chalet detailing, that appears on the wood railings and front door, continues inside through the staircase and leather-clad doors, and evolves in millwork and furniture details, textile patterning, and accents.
The color story was developed to complement the backdrop of the views, drawing a palette from the foliage, seasons, and the ephemeral effects of sunrise and sunset on the horizon.
What stands out to you the most now that you’ve finished it?
Rebecca Rivers: Despite its scale, the home feels deeply intimate and intentional. It’s a home where every detail, no matter how small, is purposeful. Every inch tells a story. Each room creates moments of discovery while remaining deeply connected to the whole. The result is a home that doesn’t just accommodate life, it enriches it.
References of inspiration:
DF: Research plays a big role in our process. We delved into the history and cultural evolution of the classic chalet, aiming to honor the heritage of Teton and western mountain architecture while integrating the European sensibilities of the Swiss chalet. We used simple roof forms, a palette of robust, locally sourced materials, and a simplified massing approach that is deeply rooted in its surroundings rather than overly complex or sprawling in form.
Drawing from the client’s eclectic spirit and passion for travel, we incorporated global chalet influences, shaping a home that evolves alongside their ever-growing collection of artifacts from life’s journeys. A nod to adventure and theatricality, the James Bond-inspired underground garage creates both a unique entry experience while also minimizing the site’s footprint.
Favorite detail:
RR: One of my favorite expressions of this theme is the custom-colored Jan Kath rug in the living room. Inspired by a trove of late 18th-century alpine embroidery samplers—each no larger than a postage stamp. Jan Kath reinterpreted these delicate folk-art motifs on an entirely new scale, transforming them into a striking, contemporary design. This piece was an unexpected discovery, an ‘aha!’ moment that not only anchored the living room palette but also infused the space with a sense of history, craft, and charm.
Next project on the horizon:
DH: What excites me most is embarking on a new project with long-time, exceptionally creative clients. We’re designing their pied-à-terre, a space carefully crafted to showcase their impressive art collection against the breathtaking backdrop of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
