UNIVERSITY HOUSE
THE HOUSE
Welcome to the University House, a physical representation of the University of Idaho’s history and mission. Completed in 2019, the residence combines features from its predecessor with a modern design aesthetic.
A tour of University House shows its connection to a wider state and campus identity ingrained in tradition and innovation.
The architect and designer joined internal components from the 1960s residence with local materials and modern elements to create a welcoming space ideal for housing the university’s First Family as well as hosting both large and intimate gatherings.
THE FIRST HOUSE
The University of Idaho’s University House has a rich history that reflects the institution’s growth and change. The original University House, a modest two-level home for the school’s president, was established in 1921 and stood off First Street until 1955.
THE SECOND HOUSE
By the 1960s, the nearly 35-year-old First Street structure could no longer comfortably house the university’s presidents. A more contemporary residence was essential, and the University of Idaho decided that the new building would be more than just a home to the First Family. Under the university’s objective, University House, now located off Nez Perce Drive, would symbolize the University of Idaho’s land-grant mission. With this goal in mind, architect Nathaniel (Nat) J. Adams, focused heavily on utilizing local materials. His exterior design reflected the prevalent styles of the era while the interior was constructed with the private spaces and entertaining spaces significantly intertwined. Six presidential families resided in this home over the years.
THE CURRENT HOUSE
In 2017, the university determined that a more modern structure was necessary to better accommodate hosting events and intimate donor dinners and to preserve the privacy of the First Family. The theme and construction of the new house followed the same design objectives as the previous residence and were therefore deeply rooted in university culture and state resources.
ARCHITECTURE
When planning the new, 6,000-square-foot University House in 2017, architect and alumnus Robert Zimmer blended the “old with the new” to create something timeless. He included important historical pieces from the previous residence in his design such as the original front doors for the new guest coat closet between the entry gallery shelving and the stair treads. Zimmer then combined those elements with contemporary influences like the sleek dark metal exterior and aspects of university culture such as the Larch flooring upstairs, which was cut by the student logging crew from the U of I Experimental Forest. The result is a design that speaks uniquely and wholly of Idaho.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Under the creative guidance of Betsy Pascucci from Pascucci Design and Gabriella Green, the interior design of the new University House reflects the scenic beauty of Idaho’s outdoors. Their goal was to subtly infuse elements of nature, merging the indoor spaces and their natural surroundings. At the heart of Pascucci’s and Green’s design inspiration was a photograph by Laura McPhee, depicting the renewal of Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains following a 2008 wildfire.
The photo’s themes of revitalization and nature are continued through the house’s interior. Pascucci and Green tempered the modern angles of the architecture by incorporating soft, organic colors from Idaho’s landscapes and featuring natural materials and shapes to add earthy touches that echo the outside world. In recognition of the school’s College of Art and Architecture, the finishing touches consisted of striking, iconic pieces, such as the Gubi Beetle chairs in the dining room and the Saarinen Tulip table in the kitchen.
ARTWORK &EXHIBITS
Scan to learn more about the artwork and student artists.
University House’s interior is inspired by the state’s outdoor scenery, but the diverse array of artwork and historical pieces displayed in the entryway focuses on the Moscow campus. The foyer gallery features frequently rotating student artwork, along with University of Idaho memorabilia and historic photos from the University Archives. The historical exhibits touch on everything from Vandal athletics and student life to the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
The remainder of the house features unique artwork, some from the University Art Collection and private donations. Pasucci, Green and alumna Gail Severn of the Gail Severn Gallery selected pieces that complement and enhance the overall theme of natural beauty. The collection displays an abundance of warm colors and wilderness motifs such as the initial design-inspiring photo of the White Cloud Mountains in the dining room, the sepia hawk watercolors by Jane Rosen in the kitchen and the Audubon wildlife prints in the junior suite.
ENTRANCE HALL
Upon entering University House, visitors are welcomed by a console table designed by College of Art and Architecture student Sonya Fernandes in 2021. Sonya created the piece using black locust wood reclaimed from a tree felled on campus.
The table complements the gallery shelves that display the University memorabilia and student artwork, as they were constructed from a black locust tree cut and recovered from the house’s backyard.
LIVING ROOM
The centerpiece of the house is the open, welcoming sitting room, featuring an abundance of natural light, a large stone fireplace, a one-of-a-kind forest green velvet sofa and a modern bar for entertaining. The
fireplace was originally part of the previous University House but was preserved during the redesign of 2017 and converted to gas for the new residence. It is a warm, homey feature that draws guests into the space.
DINING ROOM
The dining room reveals a striking, custom twelve-person table fabricated from repurposed wood by a Pacific Northwest woodworker. The table’s “live edge” design combined with the Laura McPhee photo, the
classic chairs and the glass orb chandelier, creates a hospitable space for entertaining that can be formal or casual depending on the event.
KITCHEN
The contemporary kitchen allows for convenient on-site food preparation during events.
JUNIOR SUITE
Featuring an unparalleled view of the celebrated University of Idaho water tower and vibrant Audubon wildlife prints, the junior suite is the perfect space for welcoming the University’s distinguished guests.
PATIO
With ample seating, a fire table and a ten-person dining table, the backyard patio offers the ideal setting for warmweather entertaining.
UNSEEN SPACES
These private areas, including bedrooms, an informal living room and the President’s home office, allow the First Family to maintain a personal life while simultaneously hosting public and university events in other parts of the house.
THE UNIVERSITY HOUSE: A LIVING SYMBOL
In the 1960s, the university envisioned a residence that would be more than just a home to the President’s family. They wanted the house to symbolize the university’s commitment to its land grant mission for each new generation of Vandals. Since then, every individual who contributed to the home’s aesthetic, whether architect, designer or resident, has worked to preserve its historic legacy while also adding modern touches from their time. In doing so, these stewards ensured that University House came to embody the values of tradition and innovation, intrinsic to the university and as enduring as Idaho itself.
MANY THANKS
The University of Idaho is grateful to the donors who made the beautiful, modern University House possible.
Their generosity created not only a residence for the university president, but also a place for gathering, celebration and reflection on the University of Idaho’s past, present and future. Thank you.
DONORS:
Richard W. ‘73 and Sharon L. 73, HON ‘04 Allen
Daniel L. ‘72 and Anne V. 73 Alsaker
Rotchford “Rotchy” L. Barker ‘61
Carl G. ‘62 and Linden Berry
Carl F. ‘68 and Kirby A. ‘68 Dyess
Michael N. ‘87 and Patricia A. ‘86 Fery
Kimbal L. ‘81, ‘84 and Karen E. ‘81,’84 Gowland
C. Scott ‘84 and Gabriella M. Green
Michael T. 73, ‘76 and Carol M. Hunter
Peggy Jo Jones ‘75
Bill J. ‘81 and Allison S. Kearns
Dayaldas T. Meshri ‘68 - Advance Research Chemicals, Inc.
Laine R. ‘72 and Claudia F. ‘73 Meyer
Gary G. ‘62, HON ‘03 Michael
Thomas T. ‘59 and Diana R. ‘62 Nicholson
Douglas F. ‘74, HON ‘12 and Mary Oppenheimer
Arthur F. “Skip” ‘68, HON ‘12 and Esther Oppenheimer
David A. ‘70 and M.A. ‘69 Poe
Jeffry L. ‘75, ‘76 and Kristine A. ‘75 Stoddard
University of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
University of Idaho Alumni Association
If you are interested in contributing to the preservation of University House, please contact University Advancement at 208-885-4200.
We sincerely appreciate and acknowledge the time, expertise and discounts the artists, interior designers and vendors provided.
Dedar
Laura McPhee
Gail Severn of the Gail Severn Gallery