Located on a gently sloping 3-acre site this family residence is nestled within an aspen grove on the edge of a large open meadow. The projects placement on the site takes advantage of expansive views to the south of Colorado’s Elk Mountain range.

Strong building forms, meticulously detailed materials, and exposed structure create a rich dialogue with the natural landscape reflecting the client’s interests in a robust and distinctly crafted interpretation of modern alpine architecture.

The design team was tasked with creating a highly detailed yet tranquil private home that connects to the natural surroundings for an active Colorado family. Design objectives included: create a family legacy home with flexibility to entertain, provide distinctive outdoor spaces to experience and gather, capture the views, and use materials that reflect the client’s contemporary mountain lifestyle.

The sloped site presented several challenges and opportunities. Great effort was put into integrating the home into the topography and to connect interior spaces to the outdoor landscape and existing grade while preserving the site’s natural character.

Accessed from the high north edge of the site this 8,250 SF residence presents itself as a low and quiet single-story structure consisting of simple stone masses purposefully placed to retain the natural grade. These stone elements anchor the project into the sloping land and in combination with a subtle cross slope produce a lower level on the western portion of the structure. This allows for a dynamic design approach to the south side of the residence which is achieved through an artful placement of timber and stone clad elements that float between large surfaces of glazing.

At select locations on the site, choreographed openings in the building masses allow visual connections through the structure. This attempts to weave together the quiet and anchored north side of the residence with the open and animated south side. This spatially rich approach invites movement between programmatic elements and creates a powerful link between interior spaces, the existing landscape, and the distant views. Large operable glass walls open onto outdoor gathering spaces further connecting the main spaces to the land.

Active energy performance strategies include a roof-mounted 29kw solar photo-voltaic and battery storage system providing efficient renewable energy. Ample overhangs with exposed wood rafters and soffits provide protection from the elements while adding warmth to interior and exterior spaces.

Materials were selected with an eye for sustainability and wellness. Farm raised Port Orford Cedar was chosen for its aesthetic qualities, structural characteristics, and high durability. These traits allowed its use in many applications, from columns to beams to rafters, creating a strong, crafted, and warm character.