This organic, lodge-style home in the Five Trees neighborhood at the base of Aspen Highlands ski area is a multi-generational home that facilitates a contemporary lifestyle. The design of the tri-level, 10,750 square foot structure pushed the national park influenced neighborhood design guidelines while incorporating modern features.
On a heavily wooded lot on a steep mountain slope and amid a forest of aspen and fir trees, the design team carved the home into the hillside, effectively creating a “bench” by building a retaining wall along the south elevation. A flat landing carved in to the hill allowed for a pool terrace off the living room as well as a generous motor court.
Addressing the need to accommodate the activities of multiple families and generations, flow was critical to the design. Below ten foot ceilings (intentionally kept low to encourage a feeling of intimacy), large gathering and seating areas used for entertaining were organized so that they could be closed off from private spaces. A game room, gym, massage room, wine room and back of the house support were located on the lower level. An elevator with open stair connects all three levels.
Generous natural light streams freely throughout the home through view-centric corner windows. Floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding doors were purposefully placed, creating the effect of a glass box with a green roof and sweeping views. A 13’-6” by 16’-6” skylight was installed in the kitchen. Clean visual connections were established between main level public spaces, as well as to the extensive decks and terraces, the pool and spa, and the motor court.
The interior layout provides visual connections between main level public spaces, and includes connections to outdoor living spaces and views to a trio of local valleys. Five equal bedroom suites with consistent features and plenty of natural light allow for generous and flexible sleeping arrangements. Primary materials throughout include oak Havana flooring with a soap finish, Level 5 painted walls, stone tile and custom woodwork including a rift white oak ceiling.
Exterior materials were informed by the textural nature of the surrounding mountains, as well as iconic National Park lodges. A combination of natural cleft cut and sawn cut sandstone and stone caps, along with 1.5 inch thick stained wood siding, are sheltered by a standing seam metal roof. Additional materials and elements include a wood slat screen at the entry, heavy timber rafter tails, steel lintels, and an ecologically beneficial green roof over the living room.
Material Used :
1. Facade cladding:
Cleft cut and sawn cut sandstone and stone caps, Cottonwood Sandstone
1.5inch thick stained wood siding, Custom bleached fir
2. Roofing: Drexel Dark Bronze Standing Seam Roof
3. Millwork: Rift Sawn Oak, custom by Villarreal Rasmussen Cabinet Makers
4. Flooring: Oak Havana, soap finish by Arrigoni
5. Interior lighting: Mitchell B. Kohn Lighting Design
6. Windows+Doors:
E-Series by Anderson, aluminum clad wood
Sliding glass doors, Packmill
