The 2024 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA)
BALA is the building industry’s premier residential design awards program that redefines excellence in design. These awards spotlight the most creative and talented building industry professionals who have elevated the design of homes and communities across North America.
View our placing on the BALA Flipping Book Below
BALA 2024 Finalists List
This year, we were able to win the National Home Builders Association BALA Silver Award for Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 4,001 – 5,000 sq. ft.
The home we submitted was our Alpine Retreat Home.
his single-family residence is thoughtfully designed to balance communal and private spaces, catering to both family living and entertainment. The homeowners envisioned an open-concept layout that seamlessly integrates the kitchen, great room, and outdoor deck, while maintaining distinct private quarters. Positioned to capture panoramic views of Ogden Valley and Snowbasin Ski Resort, the home’s large windows and doors flood the interior with natural light, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape. The architectural language is decidedly modern, featuring a palette of white walls contrasted with exposed black steel, softened by the warmth of white oak floors, doors, and casework. The high ceilings contribute to a sense of grandeur, while the open staircase serves as a unifying vertical element. The site’s challenging topography inspired a dramatic bridge entry, where a suspended concrete slab walkway spans a steep drop, offering a striking entry experience. Luxury amenities abound, including a waterfall kitchen island, a separate HVAC system for the master suite, a floating mono-stringer steel staircase, luxury appliances, large kitchen pantry, custom iron railings, exposed structural steel elements, under-garage storage, a gym, a fire pit, and radiant heated floors in the master bathroom. This home exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to design excellence.
This project presented a series of challenges that required careful management, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. One of the primary obstacles was ensuring that all trades adhered to the detailed plans. Deviations from the original design can lead to costly delays and compromises in the quality of the final product. To address this, we implemented rigorous site supervision and regular coordination meetings, ensuring that any discrepancies were caught and corrected early in the process.
Another significant challenge emerged during excavation when an unexpected spring was discovered beneath the footing area. This unforeseen issue could have jeopardized the stability of the structure. However, our team quickly adapted by designing and installing a comprehensive drainage system to divert the water away from the foundation, ensuring the building’s long-term integrity.
Material delays and defects were also a recurring issue. The front door, a crucial element of the home’s aesthetic, was delayed, threatening to stall progress. In other instances, materials arrived with defects, requiring us to negotiate with suppliers for quick replacements or adjustments without compromising the project timeline.
The scope of work also evolved throughout the construction process, with multiple changes introduced both before and after certain tasks were completed. These modifications required flexibility and a proactive approach from our team. We maintained open communication with the homeowners, ensuring they were informed of the implications of each change and how we planned to accommodate their requests without significant delays or cost overruns.
One unique challenge was translating the homeowners’ vision, often derived from photos found online, into a workable plan. Many of these ideas required custom solutions or innovative approaches to construction. For instance, the floating mono-stringer steel staircase was a direct result of the owners’ vision, requiring precise engineering and craftsmanship to bring to life. We engaged with skilled tradespeople who could execute these complex designs while maintaining the high standards expected of the project.
The use of innovative materials and construction methods, coupled with a commitment to problem-solving, allowed us to overcome these obstacles and deliver a home that exemplifies both quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The project’s success is a testament to the team’s dedication and ability to adapt to the unforeseen complexities that arose during construction.
Our project embodies the essence of what the BALA Awards stand for—innovation, creativity, and excellence in residential design. From the outset, we were committed to creating a home that not only meets the functional needs of the homeowners but also reflects a bold, modern aesthetic that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. This custom home showcases the seamless integration of challenging site conditions with architectural ingenuity, highlighted by a dramatic bridge entry and a floating mono-stringer steel staircase. The use of innovative materials and construction techniques, such as a suspended concrete slab walkway and radiant heated floors, demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of residential design. Every detail was meticulously crafted, from the large waterfall kitchen island to the custom iron railings, ensuring that the home stands as a testament to quality craftsmanship. Our ability to overcome significant challenges, including unforeseen site conditions and evolving design requirements, further underscores why this project deserves recognition as the best custom home in 2024.
