Obsidian Ridge: 2026 GB Design Build Architectural Design Contest

Obsidian Ridge

Perched above the rugged high-desert landscape, Obsidian Ridge is a striking contemporary mountain retreat defined by sculptural rooflines, expansive walls of glass, and richly textured dark stone that contrast the surrounding terrain. Designed to blur the boundary between indoors and out, the home captures sweeping panoramic views while offering refined luxury, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and a bold architectural presence inspired by the timeless beauty of the American West.

3Project Information

  • Lot: 500 Acre
  • House: 6,600 SF
  • 4 Bed
  • 4.5 Bath
  • 3 Car Garage
Modern two-story house with large windows and dark exterior, set in a snowy, rocky landscape with sparse trees and hills in the background. Outdoor seating and a curved staircase are visible.
Modern two-story house with dark exterior, large windows, and multiple balconies, set in a mountainous, desert-like landscape with shrubs, rocks, and scattered trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern two-story house with large glass windows, dark exterior, and balconies. A person stands on the upstairs balcony. The home is surrounded by landscaping, rocks, and hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern house with dark stone exterior, large windows, and angular rooflines. Two cars are parked in the curved driveway surrounded by landscaping with rocks and shrubs. Mountains and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.
Modern house with large windows and a black roof sits in a hilly, rural landscape. A white car is parked in the driveway, and mountains are visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern living room with large windows, stone walls, a gray sectional sofa, dining area, and mountain views at sunset; natural light fills the spacious, elegant interior.

Legend

Lower Level
1. Rec Room
2. Gym
3. Lower Bedroom 1
4. Lower Bathroom
5. Sauna
6. Lower Bedroom 2
7. Mechanical
8. Lower Patio

Main Level
9. Foyer
10. Great Room
11. Dining
12. Kitchen
13. Pantry
14. Powder
15. Primary Bedroom
16. Primary Bathroom
17. Master Closet
18. Mudroom/ Laundry
19. 3 Car Garage
20. Deck

Upper Level
21. Upper Bedroom
22. Upper Bathroom
23. Storage
24. Upper Deck

Architectural floor plan with three levels, showing labeled rooms, staircases, and open areas. The first level has a canal space; the second and third levels contain living spaces, bedrooms, utility rooms, and an elevator shaft.

Part of the GB Design Build Custom Home Design Competition

This concept is one of five original home designs created as part of the Architecture Contest: Exploring Custom Mountain Home Design Each designer was challenged to create a unique custom home from the exact same homesite, resulting in five distinct architectural solutions shaped by different ideas, priorities, and creative approaches.

Explore the other entries, learn more about the competition, and cast your vote for your favorite design. Every vote helps celebrate the creativity and innovation of our architectural design team.

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