Written by: Natalie Taylor | Photos by: Danny Lee

A crayon sketch may be an unconventional—some might say colorful—way to communicate the vision of one’s dream home, but for Chris and Rhondi Peters, it was the successful starting point of their stunning Entrada home in St. George.
“We had looked for the right site for years and had a good idea of the floor plan and layout throughout the house,” explains Rhondi. “But in our first meeting with the architect, we had our daughters with us and used their crayons to draw the basic design.”
Of course, the rough draft had to be tweaked a bit, but thanks to the Peters’ clarity and the bold design of McQuay Architects’ principal architect Rob McQuay, the finished project closely resembles the original Crayola-captured vision.crayon sketch may be an unconventional—some might say colorful—way to communicate the vision of one’s dream home, but for Chris and Rhondi Peters, it was the successful starting point of their stunning Entrada home in St. George.

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In the living room, a curved Italian leather sofa sits atop plush rugs while a red chaise lounge—a family heirloom—adds a vibrant pop. The metal fireplace features three distinct panels laid longitudinally with twinkle lights that mimic the starry desert sky.

“We had looked for the right site for years and had a good idea of the floor plan and layout throughout the house,” explains Rhondi. “But in our first meeting with the architect, we had our daughters with us and used their crayons to draw the basic design.”
Of course, the rough draft had to be tweaked a bit, but thanks to the Peters’ clarity and the bold design of McQuay Architects’ principal architect Rob McQuay, the finished project closely resembles the original Crayola-captured vision.
As their second home, the Peters wanted this family retreat to accommodate their active, outdoor lifestyle. And, with three huge dogs and three young children, they didn’t want anything fussy or high maintenance.
“Our idea was that the more fun and attractive we made it for the kids, the more psyched they will be to come on long weekend getaways—and bring their friends,” says Chris.

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The dining room boasts panoramic views of Snow Canyon. An oil-on-metal cobalt blue painting by Thomas Carlson creates a visual statement. A simple tree slab tops the table’s metal base.

The Peters’ love for contemporary design inspired the dwelling’s simple, clean lines, to which they added elements making it inviting for friends and family. The 4,435-square-foot home and guest casita are designed on a radius and feature sweeping roof lines, curved walls and a round interior space that incorporates the dining room, great room and kitchen. The four rectangular bedrooms and bathrooms connect the curves.
“My husband loves the flow that curved spaces create,” explains Rhondi. The couple worked with interior designer Michele King, principal of King Design Group, for more than a year to find just the right cabinets, tiles, countertops, carpet and furniture pieces to accent those curves, including a crescent leather sofa for the great room. The result is an “elegant, well-placed home that blends in with the landscape and reflects who they are,” says King.

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Four concrete fin walls frame the kitchen, which inhabits the center of the home. Custom designed by Jim Stancliff at Craftsman Kitchens, this stunning kitchen features walnut cabinets and islands crowned with thick glass bar tops stepping down to quartzite countertops.

The structure’s dramatic arcs frame breathtaking views of Snow Canyon, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a tortoise preserve and surrounding black lava cliffs. The unique site is nestled under red rock cliffs and elevated for unobstructed views of open terrain. “We had another lot for a potential home in Entrada for years,” says Chris. “But when we saw this one, we knew it was the one.”Framing those panoramic views informed every aspect of the design. “We let the house respond to the landscape,” explains McQuay.

“The home is designed to maximize outdoor living space, so it feels much larger than it really is, and they can use it year-round.”-Rob McQuay

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Hardwood cherry floors add sophisticated warmth to the master bathroom. The freestanding Japanese soaking tub and all-glass shower are accented by morning mist glass tiles. Dynamic landscaping lends privacy and an organic atmosphere.

A simple formula for materials—steel, glass and concrete—and a clean color palette of monotone gray with splashes of bold color keeps the focus on design and site.  To create a seamless indoor/outdoor experience, diamond-polished slate gray concrete flooring flows from the main interior space to the generously sized patios. Massive, sweeping panels of glass are custom built into bi-fold doors that open and fold accordion-style to disappear against the walls.

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A concrete fireplace provides privacy in the master bedroom without compromising the views of Red Mountain.

Each bedroom has a private patio, and the infinity-edge swimming pool flows into the lava cliffs on the site. At the center of the home, a symmetrical kitchen is framed by concrete fin walls and provides views from the great room through to the dining room, patio and natural vistas beyond. Building the open, expansive space required creative structural considerations. For example, the master bedroom is situated with panoramic views of the Red Rock Canyon and Snow Canyon that butts up to the tortoise refuge habitat.

This dramatic house illuminates an elevated lot. Sweeping rooflines emulate the red rock cliffs of Snow Canyon. Fostering the home’s contemporary simplicity, building materials were kept to a minimum and included steel beams, glass walls as well as concrete fin walls and flooring.

Because the Peters wanted privacy but didn’t want to sacrifice the scenic array, the team built a freestanding concrete fireplace.
“We worked with Calder Richards to do the structural engineering on this home,” says McQuay. “They know how to work with unique design elements. Because the fireplace is in the center of a glass wall, we don’t want to see posts or beams, but it still has to be structurally sound.”Contemporary and cutting-edge, this home prevails and showcases what can come from an imaginative team’s talents when paired with a clear and creative vision—regardless of its colorful origin.
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Sources:

Architects: Rob McQuay and Todd Benson, McQuay Architects, St. George

Builder:  Markay Johnson – Markay Johnson Construction, St. George

Interior Design: Ashley Johnson and Gregory Abbott, GAAJ Interior Design, St. George

Flooring: South Valley Floors, Draper

Kitchen lighting: Hubbarton Forge from Wilkinson Lighting, St. George

Cabinets: Premier Woodwork & Design, Kaysville, 801-547-8009

Stone surfaces: Southwest Marble & Granite, St. George

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Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor

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