Residence at Crystal Lake

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With a peculiar lot configuration and small building envelope, Charles Cunniffe Architects was pressed to capture the views while affording the clients the privacy they desired. The clients wished for a contemporary, mountain-style ski house, where friends and family could enjoy the Aspen lifestyle. This open floorplan style home perfectly addresses the needs of this tight-knit, active family. In keeping with the neighborhood vernacular, reclaimed barn wood and specially selected and hand placed sandstone were utilized. Split Douglas Fir beams with intersecting steel structural detailing traverse the entry. Austrian-made, bronzed clad doors and windows adorn the exterior, establishing the quality of this supremely crafted home.

Fostering a dialogue between the exterior and interior of the home, dry-stacked sandstone columns are seen throughout the design, contrasting the Douglas Fir and structural steel beams. An immense sandstone fireplace warms the great room, meeting the filtered light from the floor to ceiling windows. To maintain the open feel of the home, great thought was given to the layout and flow of the kitchen. Custom designed Alder wood cabinets with sleek stainless pulls and stainless backsplash form the kitchen. A generously sized center island with custom stainless steel oven hood, creates a focal point in the space. Surrounding the kitchen, walls of mosaic tiling with a half-inch stainless riglet reveal, carries the contemporary look through. Special attention was paid to the lighting in the kitchen with custom spot lighting from the cabinetry trim, which extends around the mosaic tiled wall to contrast the stainless reveal.

Set on its own level above the great room, the master suite was thoughtfully designed with the client’s wish for a tranquil place to retreat. The bowed Alder wood ceiling with steel and Douglas Fir beams, extends the architectural detail from the great room into the space. The sandstone fireplace encompassing much of the East wall creates a natural flow from the rest of the home. Windows allowing all-day sunshine open up to views of Independence Pass; the focal point of the room. Oxygen ports were incorporated, per the client’s necessity for increased oxygen due to the high elevation of the home. The master bathroom, encompassed in glass mosaic tiles, continues the tranquility from the master suite. A custom wood vanity allows for ample storage while maintaining the contemporary feel with the sleek stainless steel pulls, a seamless basin and arching faucets. Placed behind the two-way mirror, a flat screen television was built-in, allowing the clients to discreetly view the television from the vanity, shower and bathtub. The oversized steam shower with interlocking pebble flooring, overlooks the bathtub, set within a Nova Gold granite slab. A large picture window above the bathtub allows light to filter in throughout the day.

Descending the integrated steel and wood stairway, a whole new feeling emerges as Afromosia paneled walls with stainless steal reveal frame the family room. Perfect for entertaining, the family room is complete with bar and game area, with the media room adjacent to the space. Douglas Fir Beams enhanced by cove lighting intersect the ceiling, creating a feeling of space and serenity. With a thorough approach to the spatial arrangements and materials, Charles Cunniffe Architects successfully achieved the perfect retreat while maximizing the views and desired privacy of the clients.

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