A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
P R O F I L E | G O R T S C OT T
of the site's natural beauty, which was
explored at the outset through time spent
on site in different weather conditions and
times of the day; sketching and observing
the changing light," the practice explains
in its program notes. "The views of the
lake and mountain ranges afforded from
the vantage point were also carefully
recorded and [modeled], the individual
trees assessed and mapped for their
significance and implications for enclo-
sure or framing views."
In the end, The Rock is a house of extraor-
dinary location and consideration on the
part of Gort Scott. The practice really did
think about it all—deeply, insistently, and
comprehensively—to ultimately design an
architecture that exploits its magnificent
surround. Anyone can see: the view from
above is beautiful.
gortscott.com
furthering the dialogue between buildings.
The contemporary interiors are unapolo-
getically minimal, emphasizing the views
and interacting with natural light that high-
lights a textural interplay of soft textiles
and polished timber as well as interior
finishes and bespoke fittings designed by
Gort Scott. The way the light plays off the
concrete is particularly mesmerizing, and
integrated fireplaces lend warmth to the
interior, which is more contemplative than
austere and uniquely inviting for family. It
is, in fact, the decorative restraint in the
interior that allows its materiality to flourish.
That the house—which was engineered
to respond to the extreme weather of its
environment and outfitted with climate
control strategies—is thoughtfully contex-
tualized is a credit to Gort Scott's pains-
taking observations of the site before it
was so honestly transformed. "Gort Scott's
design evolved from a deep appreciation
46 DIGS.NET
| 4.19.24