Nestled atop the stunning mountainous landscape of Tollgate Canyon, this modest yet thought-out build balances contemporary home design with a nostalgic cabin vibe to complement the next chapter of the owner’s life. Inspired by the surrounding views, native landscape and the client’s own sensibility, reconciling the topography and vegetation with the property’s stunning views and passive solar orientation was vital for the design to match the client’s personal philosophy.

In any high-elevation design in the Mountain West, factoring in extreme weather conditions is a key component to any smart design. To significantly reduce energy consumption, we upgraded the building’s thermal envelope, selected highly efficient windows and doors, and employed passive heating and cooling strategies to further reduce reliance on active HVAC systems.

The effective solution of balancing passive design strategies and functional spaces within a small footprint in this smart layout would easily accommodate future expansion. With its nostalgic cabin feel, contemporary detailing and unique form integrating the loft with the house, the design is more than well-suited for comfortable mountain living at 8,000 feet.