Situated on a sloping site with views of nearby mountains and the valley below, the Thunderhead Residence was designed to accentuate the surrounding views and provide an overall sense of openness that draws inhabitants out into the beautiful natural environment. The design builds off an existing residence which will be completely remodeled and includes an eastern addition housing the main Living and Lounge spaces as well as a southern addition which adds a Primary Bedroom Suite and a new Garage. 

After their move from Boston to Boulder, our clients wanted their new house to be as open as possible to the surrounding natural beauty, and to be able to enjoy unobstructed sunset views throughout the house and adjacent outdoor spaces. Accordingly, the new Living and Lounge spaces all incorporate accordion doors which allow the interior spaces to be completely opened to the expansive new decks and patio below, allowing the residents to move seamlessly between the indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a sense that the interior spaces are amongst the surrounding trees. The new spaces are flooded with natural light from the south and east as well as from ridge skylights over the main living area. From the exposed wood and steel beams to the natural stone chimney, the forms and materials that make up the house drew inspiration from those found in the surrounding natural environment as well as those typically used in the historic mining structures constructed in the region.

Team: Anima Architects, SSF Structural Engineering.