The Valhalla Residence is a 7,400 square foot mountain house in the Sierra near Truckee, California, designed by RKD Architects as a sculpture of vaulted roofs, glass walls and angular stone. It sits in a clearing high in the mountains, with a ski area to the south and ponderosa forest to the north.
Valhalla Residence key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Martis Camp, near Truckee, California |
| Architects | RKD Architects (Sally Brainerd) |
| Size | 7,400 sq ft |
| Materials | Cut strip limestone, zinc, stone and walnut floors, timber and steel beams |
| Interiors | Bethe Cohen Design |
| Award | Best Ski Chalet, International Design and Architecture Awards |
A sculpture for a young family
The Valhalla Residence, as the architect puts it, was designed to be a sculpture that reflects a young family who loves the natural environment. The form combines carved barrel vaults, glass window walls and angular stone shapes the team nicknamed “the wedges”. The wedges organise the rooms and frame the views.
” The orientation of the roof structure and the expression of the stone forms are dynamic but still lend a sense of order to the progression of spaces. The exterior materials reappear inside; warm colors and understated furniture provide a contemporary but homey sanctuary in the woods. “
Walls that disappear
The house brings the outdoors in with transparent walls and patio access from almost every room. Exposed timber echoes the ponderosa forest outside and holds up the arched roof forms. Dark zinc and pale limestone give the exterior two quiet tones.
For more luxury homes, see the Ealuxe home category.
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FAQ
Where is the Valhalla Residence?
In the Sierra mountains near Truckee, California, in the Martis Camp area, in a clearing high above the valley.
Who designed the Valhalla Residence?
RKD Architects, with Sally Brainerd as architect. The studio says its design and construction team was entirely female.
How big is the Valhalla Residence?
RKD lists the house at 7,400 square feet.
What is the house made of?
Cut strip limestone walls, zinc siding, stone and walnut floors, and exposed timber and steel beams.
Has it won any awards?
RKD lists the project as a winner of the International Design and Architecture Awards in the Best Ski Chalet category, and says it was featured in Mountain Living and Vail Valley HOME.
Last updated: October 2026.
