Open-plan living. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Bringing the outdoors in. These architectural concepts weren't always in vogue. Yet, in a quiet corner of the American West, Utah architect Ron Molen was pioneering a movement. Ron was not merely an architect. He was a planner, an environmentalist and a community thinker. His work defied the conservative architectural mindset of the region by embracing an inspired aesthetic rooted in modernism. His use of clerestory windows, sunken living rooms, and dramatic fireplaces evoke the feeling of an oasis a safe place and a retreat from a busy world and nowhere is Ron's vision more clearly expressed than in Cottonwood Heights' cozy community of Sherwood Hills. Nestled near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Sherwood Hills is a hidden jewel-an unpretentious neighborhood with architectural depth and a soul harmonized with its natural surroundings. These homes, characterized by low-pitched roofs, generous windows and exposed beams, demonstrate the seamless integration of the interior with the outdoors. A walk along these streets, and you can't help but feel his philosophy of conscious architecture beautifully at work. Take for example, the residence at 3601 Doverhill Drive. With just over 2,200 square feet of mindfully-laid out living space, the home exemplifies all the elements of a Ron Molen home: oriented to maximize privacy and natural light; constructed with integrity; designed for every day living. The interior of the home recently underwent a complete renovation, and its transformation is stunning. The primary bedroom now comes with an en suite bath with a large tub. The kitchen has been redesigned and relocated and now boasts a new gas range, new cabinetry, new granite counters and stainless steel appliances. New flooring runs throughout the home along with new sheetrock, new, solid-core doors, and new plumbing. The electrical is also new with increased amperage to the home via a new panel. The windows and doors are all high efficiency and, adding architectural detail and functionality, 6 new floor-to-ceiling windows were added. A wonderful surprise: the garage has been converted into a charming apartment, complete with its own Murphy bed, kitchenette, bathroom and a pair of french doors leading out to a private patio. It's the perfect addition for guests or home office or even an art studio. Other recent improvements include new HVAC, new water heater, new storage shed and fencing. The landscaping has been lovingly cared for and now accommodates parking and power for an RV. What makes Ron Molen's work compelling isn't simply its aesthetic-though it is strikingly beautiful. It's that his homes endure. Fifty years later, they still feel contemporary. For those willing to look beyond the obvious and into the evergreen hills of Cottonwood Heights, a legacy awaits. Quietly enduring, this home reminds us that the best architecture doesn't just shelter us-it elevates how we live.