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Perched high above Park City, Utah, within the prestigious gates of the Promontory Club, a glass-encased architectural masterpiece redefines mountain living. This breathtaking modern retreat, designed by acclaimed architect Michael Upwall of Upwall Design Architects, is a celebration of transparency, nature, and design that bows to the surrounding landscape rather than competing with it.
Design Philosophy: Let the Landscape Lead
At the core of Upwall’s vision lies a powerful guiding principle: “Start with the landscape and get out of the way of the view.” This home, affectionately named Pinnacle Sky, exemplifies that belief with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces, and an architectural language that allows the scenery to shine. 
The home wraps around in a U-shape, embracing the natural contours of the mountaintop site. Glass panels stretch across the structure, giving uninterrupted views of the rugged foothills and expansive skies. In the center of the courtyard, an outdoor living room acts as the heart of the design, inviting the family to gather under the open sky—whether in the warmth of summer or beside the fire on a snowy evening.
Sky-Connected Living: Framing the Infinite
Above the outdoor spa, a roof oculus punctuates the structure, framing the endless sky in a moment of architectural poetry. “We’re connected to the sky,” says Upwall. “But its vastness is hard to grasp. When we frame just a portion and watch it shift, it becomes a transformative experience.”
This philosophy isn’t just theoretical—it’s tangible throughout the home. Even in private or transitional spaces like hallways and corridors, every view culminates in natural light. “I believe the end of a circulation corridor should be filled with natural light,” Upwall explains. “We’re naturally drawn to it.”
The result is not just architectural elegance, but a sense of movement and energy that pulls the occupants toward light and view, offering a living experience deeply rooted in both nature and design psychology.
Blurring Boundaries: Glass as a Design Element
In the main living, dining, and kitchen areas, expansive Marvin Modern Multi-Slide and Swinging Doors and Direct Glaze Windows erase the line between indoors and outdoors. Standing close to these panels, the outside feels within reach—just you and the horizon. At one end, stacking doors open onto a large deck, making the interior feel as if it effortlessly spills into the wild.
These choices speak to the innovative engineering of Marvin Windows and Doors, a family-owned brand since 1912 known for combining cutting-edge design with quality craftsmanship. Their products not only elevate aesthetics but also enhance energy efficiency, natural airflow, and wellness through strategic use of light and sightlines.
Functional Art: A Staircase That Sings
One of the home’s most iconic features is its sculptural staircase, which elevates a utilitarian space into a striking visual centerpiece. Framed by a vast grid of windows, the space resembles a musical staff, with pendant lights suspended like musical notes in mid-air.
This artistry isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. By infusing the everyday with the extraordinary, Upwall transforms functional design into emotional architecture. Natural light bathes the stairwell, adding warmth and a sense of serenity, reinforcing the home’s holistic focus on well-being through architecture.
Wellness, Transparency, and Immersion in Nature
Unlike traditional mountain lodges that often rely on heavy wood and dark interiors, this modern aerie offers a fresh take. Light, air, and transparency define the atmosphere. Every room has a relationship with the landscape, fostering mindfulness, relaxation, and joy. The spa area, with its infinity-edge hot tub, overlooks rolling hills that change with the seasons, offering a daily visual meditation.
Even the bedrooms, private yet visually expansive, maintain this harmony. Every material and structural decision serves the greater goal: to blur the boundaries between architecture and the natural world.
The Team Behind the Masterpiece
This high-concept design could only be executed with precision and expertise. The collaborative effort included:
- Architect: Michael Upwall, celebrated for his sculptural approach to modern design.
- Builder: Gary Hill and Jeff Hill of Midway Construction, whose craftsmanship brought the architectural vision to life.
- Photography: Tim Bjerk and Megan Diehr, capturing the home’s transparency and serene presence.
- Windows and Doors: Marvin Modern, known for their innovations in high-performance glass architecture.
Why This Home Sets a New Standard for Mountain Architecture
In the realm of high-altitude luxury homes, this glass-wrapped retreat does more than deliver breathtaking views—it offers an entirely new way to live. The project stands as a masterclass in:
- Minimalist mountain architecture
- Holistic wellness design
- Sky-framing as an emotional architectural tool
- Indoor-outdoor harmony
- Light-filled transparency that nurtures the soul
It’s no wonder architects and designers across the country are taking notes. This home isn’t just a residence—it’s an immersive experience, proof that when architecture gets out of nature’s way, magic happens.
Marvin’s Commitment to Innovation
Founded in 1912, Marvin continues to redefine what windows and doors can do. Their commitment to human-centered design, sustainability, and architectural excellence makes them a trusted partner for projects like this one. Whether it’s connecting a home to a vast mountain horizon or filtering sunlight into a cozy reading nook, Marvin believes in designing for how people live—and feel—in their spaces.
