For our extensive renovation of this home in Park City, Utah, we had several goals: Ditch the stone fireplace and other trappings of a traditional mountain retreat in favor of more contemporary décor. Create a more open floor plan to accommodate gatherings of family and friends. And maximize the property’s connections with its stunning outdoor surroundings.

On the main floor, we added built-in bookcases, wine storage, and a wet bar with custom-made undermount brass sinks. For access to a large deck, we brought in accordion-style glass panels that, when open, effectively remove the barrier between the home’s indoor and outdoor living spaces. And we did replace that massive stone fireplace — by designing a modern, custom-built beauty with a large, clear enclosure. It provides views of the flames from all angles and allows people to see through, from one end of the house to the other.

To emphasize the home’s existing architectural features, exposed structural beams figure prominently in our designs. A new second-story deck (the project’s sole new-construction component) gives residents quick, easy respites from the owners’ suite and home office. Inside, those adjoining rooms both benefit from a single two-sided, glass-fronted fireplace. And in the main bath, a large picture window provides a dramatic source of natural light alongside a soaking tub.

An alcove off the front entryway posed a minor challenge. Not much bigger than a closet, it included large windows that allowed people to see in from the street. So, we opted to give visitors an artful first impression — with a wall-mounted, custom-built foyer bench crafted of wood and orange steel, designed in the form of a ski lift. It’s a unique piece — and a cheeky nod to the home’s pristine mountain setting.