A Legacy Redefined: Modernizing a Home to Embrace Views, Light, and SustainabilityrnrnNestled in a tranquil neighborhood, this remodel transforms a legacy home perched above a dramatic river valley with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The design reimagines the property while respecting its historical roots, maintaining its existing structure and zoning non-conformities, and artfully balancing a seamless blend of modernity and timeless charm. The steep slopes and natural landscape are preserved, ensuring the design harmonizes with the environment while offering a private and serene retreat for its residents.rnrnDesign Goals and ObjectivesrnrnThe primary objective was to preserve the home’s breathtaking views and its unique interplay between public and private spaces while improving circulation, natural light, and functionality. By introducing a lighter, refined material palette, the interiors are brightened and imbued with a modern yet enduring aesthetic. Iterative design methods, including advanced rendering and VR tools, guided the evolution of the project, allowing the design team to distill the concept into a cohesive expression of form and function. Trust from the client, paired with the design team’s vision, led to the creation of a space that is both sophisticated and inviting—a sanctuary for family living and entertaining.rnrnChallenges and SolutionsrnrnPhased construction played a pivotal role in maintaining the project’s momentum and adhering to tight schedules. Dividing the scope into manageable change orders minimized review times, keeping the process efficient. The site’s constraints—including steep slopes and existing approvals—required careful planning. The design team crafted the exterior approach to avoid disrupting sensitive terrains and strategic landscaping enhanced the transition between public and private zones. Close collaboration between designers, contractors, and building officials streamlined the process and delivered a polished, innovative result.rnrnSustainabilityrnrnSustainability drives the heart of this remodel, aiming for near net-zero energy performance. A ground source heat pump system and a large solar array provide efficient heating and cooling while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Zoned HVAC systems allow precise control, ensuring minimal energy waste. Extensive insulation upgrades and passive design strategies, such as maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, further enhance the home’s energy efficiency. Deconstruction techniques during demolition ensured significant material reuse and recycling, reducing environmental impact of this remodel and fostering a circular economy approach to construction.rnrnA Celebration of Form and FunctionrnrnAt its core, this project is a celebration of architectural refinement. A distilled palette of modern wood, metal, and stone carries through the design, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior. Key features such as the reimagined staircases and enlarged entertaining spaces enhance the home’s fluidity and function, while technological advancements modernize lighting and control systems for effortless living. This remodel epitomizes the potential of thoughtful design: respecting the past while reimagining the future, creating a home that is as innovative as it is timeless.rnrnThis project is more than a remodel; it is a statement—a legacy preserved and elevated for generations to come.

This estate residence, sited on a fifty-acre property and nestled in a sage-covered meadow with spectacular views of Colorado’s Mount Daly, replaced an outmoded 1980s home with nine level changes. Its creation reflected a central challenge of R+B’s residential practice: designing multivalent homes, at a grand scale reflective of and appropriate to their settings, that remain deeply personal to their inhabitants, and entirely reflective of their values.rnrnThe house both commands its surroundings and defers to them. It is formidable yet, with its vast expanses of glass, transparent, a singular expression of the monumental and evanescent. The exterior is clad in a Danish brick that reveals the appealing irregularity of hand-making, laid up in overlapping horizontal layers like wood shiplap, thereby combining the rugged majesty of the landscape with the simple elegance of a rural building tradition. Within, walls finished entirely in white oak – natural, textural, sustainable – enclose a temple of tranquility and beauty, characterized by pan-cultural craft: a chandelier based on elements R+B discovered in a Milanese chapel; a custom-designed and hand-loomed Japanese wall tapestry; anodized Italian tile enriching the fireplace surrounds.rnrnThe family sought a dwelling in which to celebrate their love of music, beauty (natural and human-made), art, and craft, an environment rooted in modesty, faith, and genuineness. Our response is captured in the design’s signature element: a Venetian-made stained glass guardrail, spanning the full length of the double-height living room’s mezzanine, for which we designed a pattern based on the score of the great hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ – a gesture at once bravura in conception and execution, and humbly spiritual in its intent.rnrnPerhaps most unusually, in the manner of such master builders as Frank Lloyd Wright and Carlo Scarpa, R+B not only executed the architecture, landscape, and interiors, but designed almost all of the details and components, down to the table settings and glassware. As such, the house – named Sage Hill by the owners – stands as a total work of art: an uncompromised expression of its creators’ intentions and, more to the point, the complete fulfillment of the family’s most ardent desires – utterly graceful, and entirely amazing.

Almost as difficult as reinventing the wheel – architecturally speaking – is transforming a typology: taking a building style so familiar as to be embedded in the collective memory, and doing it differently. And not for novelty’s sake, but rather to reinterpret a beloved historic genre through the considerations of contemporary family life, changing aesthetic tastes, and sustainable building practice.rnrnSuch were the challenges faced by R+B in the design of Woodlands, a residence nestled in a magnificent Aspen valley, beside a pristine lake reflecting sublime mountain views. The architectural model was the national park lodge, a typology associated with rustic grandeur, fast friendship, and the celebration of the American West. All of these traditions remained relevant to the house’s design. But both outside and within, we transformed the late 19u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e/early 20u003csupu003ethu003c/supu003e century public model to suit the predilections of a modern family in a 21u003csupu003estu003c/supu003e-century private home.rnrnThe austere front façade hews closely to the ‘parkitecture’ ideal, with only a back-tilted ‘battered’ stone wall surrounding the front door – suggestive of a temple portal – to subvert expectations. In back, conversely, we took the post-and-beam motif typically associated with traditional lodge interiors and transformed it into an exoskeleton, in the form of a gracious, pergola-style covered porch running the full length of the back elevation, and continuing along the house’s eastern end.rnrnOn the interior – replacing a park lodge’s typical aesthetic and social cacophony – the cross-axial plan avoids visual noise and decorative kitsch: apart from the dramatic view from the front door, through the entry and double-height living room, to the lake, the layout is soothingly traditional, with discrete rooms unfolding in a relaxed rhythm; the interior architecture, executed in robust natural materials, offers the clarity and simplicity associated with modern design and contemporary living.rnrnThe project incorporates such advanced strategies as maximizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency, via geothermal and solar components, while addressing resiliency and well-being. Filtered outdoor air circulates throughout the interior, finished with natural, non-toxic materials; construction decisions favored lower carbon materials and structural systems, prioritizing wood over steel, and natural insulation over foam. The outcome is a house that not only supports the aesthetic and domestic aspirations of its residents, but stands as a paradigm for near net-zero sustainable design.

REDstead is nestled high above Aspen within the coveted Red Mountain Ranch community that at one time was a working ranch. The sloping site overlooks a pristine pasture, which is the center piece of the ranch, and enjoys unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass. The bucolic surroundings immediately influenced the design thinking to respect the sense of place rather than trying to define it. The Japanese principle of Wabi Sabi, roughly translated as ‘rustic simplicity’ and ‘perfectly imperfect’, also helped guide and define the spiritual nature of the project.rnrnThe steep site was the most significant challenge. The access point on to the property sits approximately 25’ above the desired auto court level. In addition, the existing driveway was not up to code, which required it to be wider and less steep. The other challenge that further complicated the grading was the desire for the great room to walk out on to natural grade and not be suspended in the air with a deck. This greatly impacted the house’s entry sequence. The design team approached the entry sequence by setting the great room floor level 5’-6” below the auto court level, which opened the opportunity to create a dynamic and experiential entry through a sunken rock garden. Rather than immediately stepping into the home from the auto court, guest now leave the car behind and journey down over large natural rock outcroppings and over a stone bridge leading to the front door.rnrnThe sustainability efforts included a 16kW photovoltaic array, continuous wrapped insulation, and advanced mechanical systems. Passive solar strategies were also used to create less dependency on mechanical controls. The exterior materials were carefully researched for their durability, low-maintenance and were sourced locally, when possible.rnrnAn indoor/outdoor experience was a critical design objective. The house was situated so that it is unmistakably nestled and deeply rooted to the land. The native grasses from the pasture below were intentionally introduced into the property to honor and respect the context as if the house has always been there.rnrnThe primary design goal was to create a simple lifestyle where the main level provides one-story living. The central great room is the predominate volume and flanked on either side by secondary volumes, the primary suite and secondary suite. These individual programs have their own gable volumes and are united by subservient linking volumes to suggest a rambling, homestead collection of buildings.rnrnAnother design goal was to capture unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain from the great room. Coordination with the surveyor and site mockups were meticulously studied to ensure the these views were achieved while creating a walk-out experience to the outdoors without significant grade change or excessive heights.rnrnThe most unique program of REDstead is the 1,500 SF wellness center. Although located in the lower level of the home, the wellness center’s gym is flooded with natural light from the adjacent stair and expansive window wall above. Moving past the gym the mood shifts to tranquility and rejuvenation as you enter the relaxation room with an adjoining massage room and full bath. The relaxation room is the ideal environment to relax, as it includes fireside lounging, a spa with a waterfall feature, a sauna and steam shower.

Set at the base of a dramatic mountain outcropping, this forward-thinking custom home balances beauty, wellness, sustainability, and innovation. Inspired by the natural environment of the heavily treed site, along with the organic architecture of John Lautner and artist James Turrell’s concept of framing light, it engages seamlessly with the surroundings in a contemporary manner.rnrnKeeping progressive, sustainable design at the forefront and with manufacturing and assembly in mind, prefabricated glulam assembly was specified for speed and efficiency of mass timber construction. Parametric modeling, virtual reality rendering, and physical modeling were implemented to explore design iterations and advance the creative integrity of the architecture.rnrnPrimary challenges included a steep grade directly adjacent to the site at the base of the mountain and close proximity to a neighboring unit. In response, a dramatic sloping roof opens the volume toward the sky while editing views of the adjacent building.rnrnExterior materials and elements include vertically oriented wood rainscreen referencing the wooded site, aluminum cladding at windows, glass guardrails at decking, and an integrated solar shingle roof system.rnrnBeyond the entry, an ample community room designed for purposes including intellectual gatherings features flagstone flooring and a high, intricately beamed wood ceiling with clustered skylights. An iconic architectural expression, a curved, glazed curtain wall wraps the area to highlight the mountain view. Through sliding glass doors, the interior opens to a patio and tiered amphitheater carved into the landscape.rnrnMain level spaces include ample kitchen, bar, and dining areas as well as dual bedroom suites. The upper level accommodates a pair of guest bedroom suites, one with a roof top deck encouraging connection to nature. With an emphasis on relaxation, a virtual wellness retreat complete with a therapeutic thermal bath and spa, and access to an outdoor grotto garden, is located at the basement level, which also houses a theater/game room.

Almost as difficult as reinventing the wheel – architecturally speaking – is transforming a typology: taking a building style so familiar as to be embedded in the collective memory, and doing it differently. And not for novelty’s sake, but rather to reinterpret a beloved historic genre through the considerations of contemporary family life, changing aesthetic tastes, and sustainable building practice.rnrnSuch were the challenges faced by R+B in the design of Woodlands, a residence nestled in a magnificent valley, beside a pristine lake reflecting sublime mountain views. The architectural model was the national park lodge, a typology associated with rustic grandeur, fast friendship, and the celebration of the American West. All of these traditions remained relevant to the house’s design. But both outside and within, we transformed the late 19th/early 20th century public model to suit the predilections of a modern family in a 21st-century private home.rnrnThe austere front façade hews closely to the ‘parkitecture’ ideal, with only a back-tilted ‘battered’ stone wall surrounding the front door – suggestive of a temple portal – to subvert expectations. In back, conversely, we took the post-and-beam motif typically associated with traditional lodge interiors and transformed it into an exoskeleton, in the form of a gracious, pergola-style covered porch running the full length of the back elevation, and continuing along the house’s eastern end.rnrnOn the interior – replacing a park lodge’s typical aesthetic and social cacophony – the cross-axial plan avoids visual noise and decorative kitsch: apart from the dramatic view from the front door, through the entry and double-height living room, to the lake, the layout is soothingly traditional, with discrete rooms unfolding in a relaxed rhythm; the interior architecture, executed in robust natural materials, offers the clarity and simplicity associated with modern design and contemporary living.rnrnThe project incorporates such advanced strategies as maximizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency, via geothermal and solar components, while addressing resiliency and well-being. Filtered outdoor air circulates throughout the interior, finished with natural, non-toxic materials; construction decisions favored lower carbon materials and structural systems, prioritizing wood over steel, and natural insulation over foam. The outcome is a house that not only supports the aesthetic and domestic aspirations of its residents, but stands as a paradigm for near net-zero sustainable design.

This estate residence, sited on a twenty-eight-acre property and nestled in a sage-covered meadow with spectacular views of Colorado’s Mount Daly, replaced an outmoded 1980s home with nine level changes. Its creation reflected a central challenge of R+B’s residential practice: designing multivalent homes, at a grand scale reflective of and appropriate to their settings, that remain deeply personal to their inhabitants, and entirely reflective of their values.rnrnThe house both commands its surroundings and defers to them. It is formidable yet, with its vast expanses of glass, transparent, a singular expression of the monumental and evanescent. The exterior is clad in a Danish brick that reveals the appealing irregularity of hand-making, laid up in overlapping horizontal layers like wood shiplap, thereby combining the rugged majesty of the landscape with the simple elegance of a rural building tradition. Within, walls finished entirely in white oak – natural, textural, sustainable – enclose a temple of tranquility and beauty, characterized by pan-cultural craft: a chandelier based on elements R+B discovered in a Milanese chapel; a custom-designed and hand-loomed Japanese wall tapestry; anodized Italian tile enriching the fireplace surrounds.rnrnThe family sought a dwelling in which to celebrate their love of music, beauty (natural and human-made), art, and craft, an environment rooted in modesty, faith, and genuineness. Our response is captured in the design’s signature element: a Venetian-made stained glass guardrail, spanning the full length of the double-height living room’s mezzanine, for which we designed a pattern based on the score of the great hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ – a gesture at once bravura in conception and execution, and humbly spiritual in its intent.rnrnPerhaps most unusually, in the manner of such master builders as Frank Lloyd Wright and Carlo Scarpa, R+B not only executed the architecture, landscape, and interiors, but designed almost all of the details and components, down to the table settings and glassware. As such, the house – named Sage Hill by the owners – stands as a total work of art: an uncompromised expression of its creators’ intentions and, more to the point, the complete fulfillment of the family’s most ardent desires – utterly graceful, and entirely amazing.

Set within the Walla Walla Valley, one of the State of Washington’s most prolific wine regions, this contemporary residence for a repeat client (passionate wine enthusiasts) is rooted in and responds to the surrounding agrarian landscape. Progressive yet contextual in design for the area, the clean, refined lines of the overall structure ensures that it settles unobtrusively onto the gently sloping ten–acre site.rnrnPrimary materials were purposefully specified. Dark gray stone emulates the abundant basalt rock indigenous to the area (and that contributes to the quality of grapes used for winemaking). Cedar recalls the color of wood stakes supporting grapevines in the surrounding vineyard.rnrnSensitive to the intended lifestyle of the client-family and with the intent of capturing views of the Blue Mountains to the east, multiple structures were integrated into the surrounding landscape. Anchored by a new two-level volume reminiscent of historic buildings inherent to the area, three new extruded gable structures appear to emerge from the vineyard. The gable structures were pushed and pulled around the site to meet programmatic needs, and smaller blocks were extruded to link the four structures together.rnrnTwo of the gable structures, encompassing kitchen, dining, and living areas in one and the primary bed and spa-like bathroom suite in the other, encourage single-level living. The third functions as a garage. The two-level metal building accommodates a pair of guest suites on the ground level and a gym and office on the upper level. Wine storage and mechanical areas are below grade.rnrnOutdoor rooms, green space, a sculpture garden and a pool area are thoughtfully designed between the structures, taking sun, wind and views into consideration. Access is through the surrounding vineyard via a pebbled drive, on axis with the main gable volume, and a central courtyard designed for outdoor gatherings and food trucks.