Canyon House nestles into its valley setting, clinging to a verdant hillside above the Clearwater River in Juliaetta, Idaho.

The 1,456 sq ft rural property was designed by Washington-based architect and professor Paul Hirzel in 2003 as a simple weekend getaway and is just 20 miles from Lewiston. He inserted a galvanised, sheet metal-clad box into an earthquake-proof timber frame that follows the contours of the ridge. The US property spans four staggered levels, capped by a sloping shed roof matching the sharp angle of the hill.

In contrast to its metal exterior, Canyon House’s interiors have a cabin-like feel thanks to timber walls and ceilings, and unfinished particle-board floors that gives it a raw twist. A wood-burning stove adds to the rustic vibe.

The one-bedroom Idaho property is now on the market via listing agent Lyssa Kope of Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty for $649,000. It comes with 46 acres of surrounding land – home to mules, white-tailed deer and 100 species of birds – which can viewed from the house’s tall glass windows and wraparound deck.

Clerestory windows beneath the sloping roofline draw additional light into the house, which casts a lantern-like glow across the valley when illuminated at night.

There’s more… at the base of the property is a small guesthouse annex, which is a miniature version of the main house. It contains a workshop, kitchen and cellar.

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