Some homes are custom. Others redefine what’s possible.
High above Rockport Reservoir in Kent’s Canyon near Coalville, Utah, CK Builders is bringing to life one of the most unique custom homes in Summit County—a 5,800-square-foot off-grid, primarily underground luxury residence designed specifically for the homeowners’ vision.
From the initial planning stages to managing complex construction, this project has required years of collaboration, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
From the Salt Lake City Home Show to Coalville
Our relationship with these homeowners began at the Salt Lake City Home Show.
They originally planned to build in Promontory, but HOA restrictions and CCR requirements prevented them from creating the home they envisioned. Rather than compromise, they began searching for a property that would allow complete design freedom.
Together, we found the perfect site in Kent’s Canyon above Rockport Reservoir, where they could build the off-grid mountain home they had always imagined.
Building an Off-Grid Mountain Home
Turning raw mountain land into a homesite is no small task.
Before construction could begin, nearly two years were spent coordinating engineering, permitting, infrastructure, and site development. Because Summit County had never reviewed a project quite like this, a third-party engineer was brought in to validate the plans before permits were approved.
The project required planning for every aspect of off-grid living, including:
- Solar power generation and battery storage
- Water well installation
- Septic system design
- Mountain road access
- Drainage and excavation
- Large retaining walls
Every detail had to work together long before the first walls were built.
A Truly Custom Home
The project was completed in two major phases.
The first was an 800-square-foot underground auxiliary building, used for storage and staging during construction.
The second phase is the primary residence—a custom 5,800-square-foot rambler built directly into the mountainside with two underground facades.
Despite its underground design, the home is filled with natural light through oversized octagonal skylights, sun tunnels, and expansive iron windows overlooking Rockport Reservoir.
Inside, every space has been tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle, including:
- Three bedrooms with private en suite bathrooms
- Gourmet kitchen with commercial-grade appliances
- Double laundry rooms
- Home offices & gym
- Steam shower and dry sauna
- Custom cabinetry throughout
- Geothermal heating and cooling
- Solar-powered off-grid systems
Every finish has been thoughtfully selected, blending luxury, functionality, and long-term efficiency.
Adapting to Mountain Construction
Mountain construction is rarely predictable.
Changing soil conditions, heavy snowfall, muddy access roads, and the complexity of underground construction have required constant flexibility throughout the project. Some winters allow work to continue uninterrupted, while others make the property inaccessible for weeks.
Successfully managing a project like this means adapting quickly while keeping quality at the forefront.
The Best Part of the Project
While the engineering and craftsmanship make this home truly unique, the homeowners have made the project especially memorable.
They have remained involved throughout every decision, understanding that a one-of-a-kind custom home takes time, collaboration, and trust.
Over the years, we’ve built a lasting relationship with these homeowners. Today, we proudly consider them part of the CK Builders family.
Building Homes That Don’t Fit Inside a Box
Every custom home presents unique challenges, but that’s exactly what we love.
Whether we’re building an off-grid mountain retreat, a luxury custom home, or tackling a complex renovation, our goal is always the same: deliver quality craftsmanship to last a lifetime.
If you’re planning a custom home in Coalville, Summit County, or anywhere across Northern Utah, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Thinking about building or remodeling? We’d love to hear your ideas, answer your questions, and help you take the next step. Contact CK Builders today to start the conversation.