Boulder Cabin in Colorado by Dynia Architects

Article source: Dynia Architects 

This 2,500 square foot residence sits atop a precipice with views to the metropolitan Denver valley to the east and the iconic Flatiron peaks to the west.  The interior spaces are austere, reflecting the disciplined lifestyle of the homeowners.

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

• Architects: Dynia Architects 
• Project: Boulder Cabin
• Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
• Photography: Ron Johnson and Kimberly Gavin
  
• Structural/Civil Engineer: KL&A
• MEP Engineer: ME Engineers
• Landscape Architect: R Design Land Architects and Nettle Landscaping
• Contractor: Rosewood Construction Inc.
• Area: 2,500 square feet
• Completion Date: 2009

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

The two sides of this linear scheme respond independently to the site conditions.  The east has a high band of glass for morning light infiltration, with a thick zone of storage, including custom built-in shelving, below.  Dividing the storage areas, intermittent windows provide views to the entry court and distant city.  Upon entering the home from the east, amazing mountain peaks are revealed.  Sliding glass panels extend the length of the house embracing the unencumbered mountain views on the west side of the structure.

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

Image Courtesy © Kimberly Gavin

For this residence, simplicity and restraint are the innovation.  Led by a desire for economy and sustainability, materials are limited to wood structure and ceilings, concrete floors, and weathering steel cladding. To continue the interaction between the home and the landscape, the poured in place concrete slab of the interior flooring extends to the exterior, creating an outdoor entertainment area surrounded by dense woods.  The dramatic wood and steel roof overhang defines this outdoor room as a seamless extension of the residence.  The roof extension provides sun shading for the west facing glass and shelter for the terrace.

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

Image Courtesy © Kimberly Gavin

Embedded in Boulder’s culture is a strong consideration for the environment.  The owners hold to these principles and supported the efforts to quietly place the house within the site, minimize the need for energy, and minimize material waste.  The house size is well below the allowable area on the 35-acre property and special attention was paid to the landscape during construction – it immediately re-vegetated with native wildflowers and grasses.  The house’s modest form and palate of materials place it unpretentiously within its surroundings, allowing the natural environment to carry the day.

Dynia Architects received an Award of Merit from the Wyoming Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2009 for Boulder Cabin.

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

Image Courtesy © Kimberly Gavin

Image Courtesy © Ron Johnson

Image Courtesy © Kimberly Gavin

Image Courtesy © Dynia Architects

Image Courtesy © Dynia Architects

Tags: Colorado, USA

Categories: Cabin, Residential

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