A view from a rusty metal balcony at Salt Gulch Ranch overlooks a modern building with wooden slatted walls, steps leading to a door, and surrounded by trees. Hills and blue sky are visible in the background.

salt gulch ranch

Remote, surrounded by public lands, and subject to the extreme aridity and temperature swings of the high mesa desert; fire resistance, energy efficiency, and water conservation were in sharp focus for this project. In collaboration with the client, a French Master Craftsman of Ornamental Ironwork, Anik Pearson Architect focused on non-combustible materials for the exterior envelope while incorporating the creativity and skill of the owner himself. The building, framed in steel, is clad in stucco and an interlocking copper roof that allows for expansion and contraction under extreme temperature changes. Steel louvers on the façade filter light and shade the covered breezeway connecting the main and guest house, while sturdy eaves protect the path against heavy snowfall in winter. Natural patinas on the metals provide a protective covering to prevent decay from corrosion or weathering. In summer, essential shading from the oversized cantilevered eaves and natural ventilation via a solar chimney provide passive cooling. In winter, the concrete floor system absorbs sunlight allowed in through expansive southern-facing windows, providing the mass required to achieve passive solar heating, thereby saving energy. The breezeway’s curved roof terminates at its apex into a skylight, which filters natural light into the kitchen, located at the core of the main house and away from windows. The water recaptured from snowmelt feeds a vegetable garden and orchard full of fruit trees. The overflow from a water-collecting basin feeds ancient slow-growing juniper and pinyon trees on the site.

Anik worked with the owners to develop the home’s color palette, which was inspired by stones found on the property, recollecting the site’s unique mineral geology into every aspect of the interior. The character of the environment, with its harsh and extreme beauty, is reflected in the finishes, materiality, and commitment to sustainability and longevity. The building has become a site-specific and collaborative work of art that has sparked responsible construction in neighboring properties.

After completing a house renovation and addition for the same clients in Watermill NY, Anik Pearson Architect worked on a house concept for their 10-acre property on the Boulder Mesa and designed alterations to their house in Jacksonville, Oregon.

A rustic wooden door with black metal hinges and handle is open, revealing a sunlit patio with wooden slats and a view of a tree and dry grass outside. The door frame and wall have a textured, beige finish.
A wooden staircase with metal handrails leads to a turquoise door. Orange light fixtures line the textured left wall. Right side has large brown shutters, letting in sunlight and casting geometric shadows across the space. Sculptures sit beside the stairs.
A spacious, rustic living-dining room features exposed beams, a fireplace, mid-century modern furniture, large windows with scenic views, two red area rugs, a long dining table with wooden chairs, and artwork on tan walls. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
A pencil sketch of a living room with large windows revealing a scenic landscape. The room has a sofa, lounge chair, coffee table, and a dining table with chairs. Exposed ceiling beams and natural light create a spacious, airy atmosphere.
A modern living room with a tan sofa, brown leather armchair, glass coffee table, and patterned rug. Behind, an open kitchen features gray cabinets, a marble island, wall art, and open shelves with dishes. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Modern kitchen with open shelves displaying dishware, a center island with a bowl of fruit, sink, and two place settings. Stainless steel appliances, lamp, and decorative items sit on dark countertops. Back wall has a large textured, metallic panel.
A ceramic lamp with a black shade sits on a white counter beside two ornate figurines and turquoise pottery; behind them is a large, rust-patterned metal panel, and to the right, shelves display more vibrant turquoise ceramics.
Spacious living area with zebra-print armchairs around a coffee table on a striped rug, a bed with patterned bedding, glass doors showing trees outside, and modern décor on light taupe walls with exposed beams and metal ceiling.
Sunny living room with green walls, large windows, two bright yellow tufted sofas, a coffee table, red rug, small dining area with white chairs, cowhide rug, sideboard, lamp, and mountain views visible through the glass doors.
A cozy bedroom with high ceilings features yellow paneled walls, an orange bed with decorative pillows, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, and art on the walls. The door is open, revealing a warmly lit hallway in the background.
A wooden table with turned legs holds a lamp, bowl, and decorative objects. A framed photo of a horse and rider hangs on a yellow wall behind it. The floor is dark, contrasting with the bright wall and rustic table.
Sunny yellow bedroom with high ceiling, white bedding, black patterned throw, two hanging paper lanterns, modern art, armchair, windows showing hills, framed landscape photo, floor lamp, and cozy seating; warm, inviting atmosphere.
Modern bedroom with wood bed, white bedding, and colorful pillows. Built-in cabinets line the back wall. A window above a desk with a yellow chair brings in natural light. Wall art, a desk lamp, and a patterned floor add visual interest.
A stone-tiled bathtub with a small window above is set in a cozy alcove. Two pendant lights hang from the ceiling. Three round white vases are on the brown floor. A towel hangs beside the tub on the textured stone wall. Warm, serene atmosphere.
A modern beige house with a second-story balcony sits beside snow-covered steps. Bushes and a tree, also blanketed in snow, line the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is calm and wintry.
Two tan buildings with red trim sit behind a snow-covered fence at Salt Gulch Ranch. Shrubs and trees are dusted with snow and line the hillside behind the buildings. The sky is blue with clouds, and the entire ground is blanketed in white snow.

salt gulch ranch

  • Architecture and Interior Design by Anik Pearson
  • Photography by Annie Schlechter
  • Styling by Malou Humbert
  • Featured in House Beautiful