Residential / Custom Residence
Selkirk Residence
Contemporary Hillside Home • Boise Foothills, Idaho
Design a contemporary residence in the Boise foothills that balances modern architectural expression with everyday livability. The steep site drops approximately 50 feet from street to backyard and sits within an established neighborhood, requiring sensitivity to views, privacy, outdoor living, and a north-facing orientation.
We designed the home to step naturally with the terrain, reducing its visual impact from the street while opening primary living spaces toward northern and northwestern views. By holding the structure lower than the road and cascading the form downhill, the house preserves neighborhood sightlines and enhances privacy for the family. Generous decks are layered between interior spaces and the rear yard, creating usable outdoor living areas despite the steep grade. Clerestory windows on the southern elevation bring daylight deep into the interior, addressing challenges created by the north-facing slope. Simple mono-pitched roof forms reinforce a contemporary aesthetic while supporting efficient construction. Durable stucco is paired with warm wood siding to balance modern clarity with material richness.
A light-filled, comfortable home that feels modern without being austere, carefully integrated into its site and neighborhood while supporting daily family life and long-term durability. The design demonstrates how a challenging hillside site can become an asset rather than a constraint.
Work with Fine Line Studio