The Larsen Building is a contemporary live-work mixed-use development that brings together a professional dental practice, private residence, and employee housing within a single, thoughtfully integrated building. Located in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood in Jackson, Wyoming, the project offers a compact model for urban living and working in a mountain town.

The building is vertically organized to give each use a distinct identity while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression. Employee apartments are located on the lower level, where an excavated site design brings abundant natural daylight into the below-grade residences. At ground level, the owner’s dental practice is approached by a bridged entryway, creating a memorable arrival while separating the professional workspace from the residential functions above and below.

The owner’s private residence occupies the second and third floors. Bedrooms and more intimate family spaces are located on the second level, while the upper floor opens into a light-filled kitchen, living, and dining area. This elevated open-plan living space captures views toward Snow King Mountain and connects directly to a private rooftop garden, creating a secluded outdoor retreat within the urban setting.

By stacking complementary uses within a single building envelope, the Larsen Building makes efficient use of a constrained site while supporting a more integrated approach to mixed-use development in Jackson Hole. The combination of workplace, private residence, and employee housing reduces the physical separation between daily activities and contributes to a more compact, walkable urban environment.

The exterior material palette was selected for durability, low maintenance, and compatibility with the mountain climate. Vertical cedar siding, steel, and patinated cement-board panels create variation in texture and scale while giving the building a contemporary identity. Careful articulation of individual architectural elements visually breaks down the overall mass, helping the multi-story structure relate more comfortably to the surrounding neighborhood.

The Larsen Building reflects Ward Blake Architects’ approach to mixed-use architecture, live-work design, employee housing, and urban infill development. By seamlessly integrating professional, residential, and workforce housing uses, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can maximize limited urban land, support flexible lifestyles, and contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable mountain community.

Location

Jackson, Wyoming

Project Size

4,243 sq. ft.