Aspen Highlands Legacy Home: Modern Design Meets Nature

THE GOALS

With challenges come opportunities, and this project was no exception.“The clients were very enamored with the site, property and location—and they had very modernist tastes. There was a great alliance there, but the architectural language in the neighborhood in which the project was to be built was quite conservative,” says Klumb.

Klumb notes that while the couple adored the location, his team’s challenge was to create a contemporary home, given the guidelines, the nuances of the property, the trees and the vegetation. “How can the different character of the home engage the character of the property and connect the owners with the site?”

ENTRY

Anticipation is heightened as one approaches the entry of the home, which is lined by aspen trees and teases the verdant view beyond. “There is a choreography of how you move through the house. Much of the idea of this entry walkway is framed by the enclosed bridge to the sculpture on the far side,” says Klumb. “There is a play of light and art that spills down along the entry path,” adds Elliot. “You then follow the entry path and turn to the front door, where there is another art piece and an amazing view of the valley.”

LIVING ROOM

Continuing the theme, the living room offers distant views, including those of Hunter Creek and downvalley. “The living room, a primary living space for the owners and their extended family, also provided a backdrop to show off their art gallery and to display artwork,” says Klumb. “The primary living space enables everyone to gather together and return to various guest suites and a separate guest sitting room.”

Regarding materials, Kleinberg says, “We didn’t want it to be overbearing. We wanted the interiors to be harmonious with the house, which features an open floor plan and has a certain kind of zen calmness. We made a conscious choice about limited types of materials in terms of woods, stone and tile.”

KITCHEN

The kitchen boasts a more casual, convivial feel, with Kleinberg noting that its straightforward, open floor plan features natural wood and stainless steel, as well as an overarching neutral palette that skews to grays, cream and a gray blue. “It’s also very functional for when the owners are dining, hosting guests and bringing in professional cooks. People can casually come in and out.”

HOW THE HOME IS LIVING

“The owners have been extremely pleased with the house and are always very excited to get back out here and enjoy it,” says Klumb. “Not only the primary owners, but the extended family has been out for gatherings and to enjoy the lifestyle and offerings here. They’ve been super complimentary and excited. Big picture, the legacy of the family will carry on through generations.”

“The home has a certain kind of calmness,” adds Kleinberg. “It was a wonderful case of ‘build it, and they will come.’”

Home Details

Home Type
Single-family

Location
Aspen

Architecture Design & Interior Architecture
CCY Architects Partner Alex Klumb Principal Simon Elliot
ccyarchitects.com

Furnishing & Fixtures
David Kleinberg David Kleinberg Design Associates
dkda.com

Contractor
Structural Associates
structuralassoc.com

Landscape
Lift Studio
liftstudiolandscape.net

Structural Engineer
KL&A Engineers and Builders
klaa.com

Civil Engineer
Woody Creek Engineering
970-429-8297

Lighting
LS Group
ls.lighting.com

Resources

Corten Sheet Metal
Garage doors
corten.com

Aspen Valley Tile and Stone
Porcelain floor tile
aspenvalleytile.com

Arrigoni Woods
European white oak flooring
arrigoniwoods.com

Watermark
Bathroom fixtures
watermark-designs.com

Caesarstone
Countertops, primary and guest baths
caesarstoneus.com

Colorado Architectural Millwork Supply, Inc.
Interior paneling and doors
coloams.com

Wolf Kitchen
Kitchen range, stove and oven
wolfequipment.com

Sub-Zero
Kitchen refrigerator
subzero-wolf.com

Lutron
Window coverings
lutron.com