The design of the living spaces simultaneously connects the users to the incredible views overlooking the adjacent Arkansas River and the majestic distant views of the 14-thousand-foot-tall Mt. Shavano, Mt Antero, Mount Princeton, and the rest of the Collegiate Peaks. With the house perched above the river and meadows, secondary spaces frame individual mountains, the river, and the canyons to the north.
At one end, the home is anchored to the earth by the weathered steel garage while the other stretches out high above the Arkansas River. The low-profile posture of the house allows the mountain ridges to be seen over and through the house.
The homeowners find themselves immersed in the sounds of the water while working in the cantilevered studio space. Large amounts of glass allow all users to be fully integrated in the views while operable windows and doors allow the sounds of the river and environment to fill the house. The abundant natural light flooding the house limits the need for lighting during the day, while the over hangs prevent the house from overheating.
The house provides sheltered outdoor areas for year-round use that are protected from the sun, rain and powerful winds coming down from the high mountain peaks. The living space is centered within the primary volume surrounded by glass, opening to views of the river on the east, and the Collegiate Peaks to the west. An outdoor dining area acts as an extension of the living space adjacent to a deck running the length of the house from the kitchen to the studio, blurring the line between indoor and out.
The constant intense winds often delayed progress on site as it was dangerous to install windows or other significant building components. To withstand the harsh mountain environment, durable, maintenance free materials were utilized. Inspired by the wavy, deposited sands along the river bank the raked stucco provided an organic, textured, and durable surface. Ubiquitous in the surrounding agricultural areas, weather steel panels clad the utility areas of the house. The weathered steel, warm toned stucco, concrete blend with the natural environment.