Situated in the Southern Rockies near Angel Fire, New Mexico, this residence was designed for a high-altitude environment characterized by cold winters, intense solar radiation, and significant snow accumulation. The client required a multi-level family retreat capable of supporting extended stays and guests while remaining energy-efficient and practical to build in a remote location. The primary architectural challenge involved balancing the scale of a large home with a sense of warmth and craft, all while meeting the rigorous performance demands of the alpine climate. RESULT The Angel Fire residence is a high-performance mountain home that successfully harmonizes scale, comfort, and environmental stewardship. Through strategic material selection and climate-responsive forms, the design delivers a retreat that is both substantial and welcoming. The home engages its alpine context without overwhelming it, providing a refined response to the realities of high-altitude living. The result is an enduring residence that supports multi-generational gathering and year-round enjoyment in a demanding natural environment.