The Knobb Hill House

Ketchum, ID

Architect: Tobin Dougherty
Builder: SV Custom Builders

Project Overview

Located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, Idaho, Knob Hill House is thoughtfully positioned between the peaks of Bald Mountain and Griffin Butte. The three-story residence responds to its dramatic mountain setting through a warm, natural material palette and a contemporary architectural form that feels both grounded and refined.

Wrapped in natural wood, the home embraces sweeping alpine views while allowing shifting light and shadow to animate the façade throughout the day, reinforcing its connection to the surrounding landscape.

Material Selection & Performance

The exterior is clad in CUSTOM thermally modified fine sawn face wood cladding, selected for its rich texture, natural character, and long-term durability. The fine sawn face accentuates the depth of the wood grain, creating a dynamic surface that changes with the light while complementing the rugged mountain environment.

Thermally modified for enhanced dimensional stability and weather resistance, Abodo Vulcan provides a durable exterior solution well suited to the demanding climate of central Idaho. Given the project’s location within a wildfire-prone region, the material also met Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) compliance requirements and is included on the CAL FIRE Building Materials Listing Program, supporting both resilience and architectural performance.

Design Team

Tobin Dougherty Architects is a full-service architecture firm based in California, specializing in new builds and remodels for residential and commercial projects. The firm emphasizes a collaborative design process that integrates client needs, site characteristics, and environmental considerations to create harmonious and functional spaces.

Exterior Cladding

Product: CUSTOM
Species: Thermally Modified Radiata Pine
Notes: FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix Credit
Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
Fine Sawn Face
Tongue and Groove (T&G)

Garage Doors

Product: CUSTOM
Species: Thermally Modified Radiata Pine
Notes: FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix Credit
Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)
Fine Sawn Face
Tongue and Groove (T&G)