Utah Ski Chalet

This cozy mountain chalet is nestled in the Wasatch National Forest near the Brighton Ski Resort, and serves as a home-base for the owners’ snow adventures. The owners built it in 2006 as a vacation house to eventually live in full time when they retire. To make this getaway as comfortable as possible in the harsh climate of Utah, the owners focused on keeping a tight thermal envelope using closed cell spray foam in the walls, and they wanted to install a top of the line heating system.

Radiant tubing is run throughout the finished portion of the home using a light concrete material called “gyp-crete,” and in concrete slabs in the basement, garage, and driveway. Because the home is in a dry climate, the radiant floor heating is important in maintaining a comfortable humidity level in the home. The mechanical area is limited since it’s located under a switchback staircase, but the unit is compact enough to fit in the tight space. The home also features HBX controls, Wi-Fi thermostats, and a TurboMax indirect hot water heater.