I’m writing this newly returned from an incredible hiking vacation to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The beauty of that area of the country is nearly indescribable. Craggy granite mountains dramatically rise from the landscape, snowmelt and glacier-fed waterfalls roar down the mountainsides, wildflowers color the landscape and the sky truly is a deeper shade of blue compared to the lower elevation where I live.
Despite being truly disconnected (no cellphone reception!) and spending most nights in a tent, windows, doors and design shined in the Jackson Hole area.
Two things struck me during a visit to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. First, the stunning photography and displays about the park’s history, flora and fauna. Second, the design of the building itself—especially the tilt-turn windows. This led me to ask the ranger on duty about the building’s design. I suspected passive house principles, not only from the tilt-turn windows but also from the building’s orientation, overhangs, natural ventilation and cool, open comfort despite temperatures in the high 80s. It turns out the building is certified Platinum under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program—the first building within the U.S. National Park system to receive certification.
On a “recovery day” after a three-day, two-night backpack hike, I visited the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which included a Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit. Toronto-based photographer Patricia Homonylo won the 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year award for her image “When Worlds Collide,” depicting the aftermath of bird-window collisions. The striking photo includes over 4,000 dead birds from window collisions arranged in concentric circles. Read this issue’s Clear Solutions, which discusses residential solutions for bird-friendly glass.
A quick visit to the Jackson Lodge was perhaps the epitome of how large glazing can bring the outdoors in. As you walk up the staircase you’re met with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. I can think of few areas more suited to large glazing to bring the outdoors in.
I’d love to know: What design and fenestration finds have appeared on your summer travels?
