Foundations: Houses by JLF Architects

JLF Architects, founded in 1985, believes that architecture should be rooted in its place, using local materials and partnering with local craftsmen to create buildings that are tactile, modern, environmentally responsible, authentic, and crafted. They have grown along with the range and complexity of their projects, and still consider the desire to build in partnership with the land to be valid and increasingly resonant.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Based in Bozeman, Montana, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, JLF Architects firmly believe that architecture should be deeply rooted in its specific place, responding meaningfully to the natural or built environment. By utilizing local materials and collaborating with the finest local craftsmen, the firm strives to create buildings that are not only tactile and modern but also environmentally responsible, authentic, artistic, and meticulously crafted. With over 30 years of experience since its founding, JLF Architects has grown alongside the range and complexity of its projects, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to building in partnership with the land. This approach, which remains valid and increasingly resonant, has shaped the firm's ethos and continues to guide its creative endeavors.

The firm's early projects focused on houses, and these remain a source of excitement for JLF Architects. By delving into the intricate relationship between family, place, and building, the firm has been able to create unique living environments that exude a genuine authenticity and beauty. Through their designs, JLF Architects aim to create spaces that not only meet the practical needs of their clients but also resonate with their emotional and cultural connections to the surrounding environment.

One of the key principles that guide JLF Architects' work is the idea of "placemaking." This concept emphasizes the importance of designing buildings that not only serve their functional purposes but also contribute to the overall character and identity of their surroundings. By incorporating local materials, traditions, and cultural references into their designs, the firm seeks to create buildings that blend seamlessly with the landscape and enhance the sense of place for both residents and visitors.

In addition to their commitment to placemaking, JLF Architects is also dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They strive to incorporate eco-friendly practices and materials into their designs, such as passive solar heating, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials. By reducing their environmental footprint, the firm aims to create buildings that not only benefit their clients but also contribute to the betterment of the planet.

Another hallmark of JLF Architects' work is their attention to detail and craftsmanship. The firm believes that architecture is not just about creating functional spaces but also about creating spaces that are visually stunning and evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Through their designs, JLF Architects aim to create buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with intricate details and thoughtful compositions that reflect the unique character of each project.

Over the years, JLF Architects has completed a wide range of projects, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces. Some of their notable projects include the Jackson Hole Airport, the Yellowstone Club, and the Museum of the American West. These projects showcase the firm's ability to create buildings that are both functional and visually stunning, while also contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of their respective communities.

In conclusion, JLF Architects is a firm that believes in the power of architecture to shape and enhance the human experience. By staying true to their roots, collaborating with local craftsmen, and embracing sustainability and environmental responsibility, the firm has been able to create buildings that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful and authentic. With a commitment to placemaking, craftsmanship, and sustainability, JLF Architects continues to push the boundaries of architectural design and create spaces that enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.

Dimension: 305 x 254 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847871544