The site for this 4,900 sf private home is located on the edge of a village of log cabins next to Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Spectacular views and rustic architecture are key elements of the setting. The clients desired a vacation home that would be sensitive to its mountain surroundings and engage the spirit of the past without resorting to mimicry, as well as one that could be securely closed down in their absence. The response is a contemporary house in dialogue with the unique character of the site, the historical context of the region, and environmentally responsive strategies.
In order to minimize environmental disturbances on site and to take advantage of mountain views, the home is organized vertically on a small foot print (900 sf) with spaces distributed over five levels. The south and west exposures are clad in wood salvaged from local structures and feature board-and-batten construction with punched openings—a design strategy that both references local cabin vernacular but also serves to minimize solar gains. The opposite side of the home opens up completely to views and natural breezes through operable floor-to-ceiling windows. Aluminum shutters create shade when necessary and allow the building to be completely closed down when not in use.
The dining room and kitchen occupy the ground floor, while the living room and library are on the second floor. Bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the third and fourth floors, with the fifth floor given to a study and roof deck that offers dramatic views.
