Intentional Design
The Mountain View residence is a testament to warm contemporary design, meticulously crafted to complement its breathtaking mountain surroundings. Perched on a steep site high above the valley floor, the house offers panoramic views stretching from Independence Pass to Aspen and down to Mount Sopris. This highly detailed residence showcases a harmonious blend of stone and light materials, creating a serene and sophisticated living environment.
A defining feature of this home is its series of stone walls. These walls engage the steep slope, visually anchoring the house to the site and extending outward to create seamless indoor-outdoor living. The use of stone not only provides stability but also adds a timeless aesthetic that grounds the contemporary design in its natural context.
Beyond the stone walls, the home’s material palette is intentionally light. This contrast enhances the warmth and openness of the interior spaces, allowing the focus to remain on the stunning natural surroundings. Large windows frame the views, inviting the beauty of the landscape into the home and ensuring that each space is bathed in natural light.
The steepness of the site presented both challenges and opportunities. As project leader Chris Dwyer notes, "The steepness let us create a detailed house that looks simple despite its complexity." This complexity is hidden, resulting in a home that exudes effortless sophistication while incorporating intricate design and engineering solutions.
The Mountain View residence offers a harmonious blend of contemporary design, technical precision, and natural beauty. Its stone walls, light material palette, and unique features create a warm and inviting home that is deeply connected to its mountain surroundings. This project is an extraordinary example of the power of thoughtful design and the beauty that emerges when architecture and nature come together.
