There are projects you complete… and then there are spaces you discover.

Tucked into a wooded hillside, this retreat wasn’t just built—it was carefully revealed. Every step down into the space is intentional, creating a sense of transition from everyday life into something quieter, slower, and deeply restorative.

Entering The Hollow

The experience begins with a descent.

A gravel and timber stair path leads you down through the trees, gradually opening to a clearing carved into the hillside. As you step lower, the sounds shift, the light softens, and the space begins to feel separate from the world above.

That was the goal from the start:
not just to build a backyard feature—but to create a place you arrive at.

Built Around the Land, Not Over It

We chose the opposite approach.

That boulder became the anchor for the entire design, ultimately housing a year-round outdoor shower nestled along side the giant boulder. It’s one of those elements that feels like it’s always been there… because in a way, it has.

Rather than flattening the site, we let the terrain lead:

• Platforms step naturally with the grade
• Pathways follow organic movement through the trees
• Structures are placed to feel tucked in, not dropped in

The result is a space that feels discovered, not constructed.

A Ritual of Contrast: Heat, Cold, Rest

Boulder Hollow was designed around a simple, powerful idea: the cycle of hot, cold, and rest.

• A wood-fired sauna offers deep, grounding heat
• A cold plunge resets the body and sharpens the mind
• A hot tub provides long, relaxed recovery
• A geodesic dome creates a sheltered space to unwind, even in winter

Each element is positioned to encourage movement through the space—never static, always experiential.

This isn’t just about amenities.
It’s about creating a rhythm.

Materials That Belong

Material selection was critical.

We leaned heavily into:

• Natural stone
• Cedar and warm-toned wood
• Crushed gravel pathways
• Moss and native plantings

Nothing feels overly refined or out of place. The palette allows the environment to remain the focus while still delivering a high-end finish.

Over time, this space will only get better—weathering, softening, and blending even further into its surroundings.

Designed For All Seasons

In North Idaho, seasonality matters.

Boulder Hollow was built to be used year-round:

• Snow-covered sauna sessions in the winter
• Cool forest shade in the summer
• Crisp transitions in spring and fall

The contrast between conditions is part of the experience. Steam rising into cold air. Bare feet on warm decking. The feeling of being outside—no matter the time of year.

At its core, Boulder Hollow is about something bigger than a collection of features.

It’s about:

• Creating space to reset
• Designing moments, not just structures
• Building environments that invite you to slow down

This is what we aim for in every project—spaces that don’t just look good, but change how you feel when you’re in them.