A Modern Home on the Prairie
This tranquil retreat takes advantage of its Steamboat Springs, Colorado views
The owners of this 7,300-square-foot home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado found the perfect place to build their dream vacation home—amidst a prairie field on historic ranchlands. Vertical Arts Architecture was tasked with capitalizing on the expansive views of the valley below, including Steamboat Ski Resort, Emerald Mountain and Rabbit Ears Pass. As a result, the homeowner’s dream was achieved by creating a spa-like mountain retreat featuring sophisticated, high-level design at every turn.
With 360-degree sweeping mountain vistas, stone walls juxtaposing floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor living spaces that rival the interiors, the residence’s strategic site orientation melds the home into the mountainous backdrop, providing privacy and an inimitable exterior silhouette. The cantilevered flat roof is characteristically modern, but inside soft, textured furnishings create a welcoming atmosphere. Although the dwelling looks to be made mostly of glass, the design team was able to create privacy throughout the home.
The layout of the home was crafted to be almost entirely on one level with a split-level floor plan that accommodates a private living space. Stone wall portals serve as thoughtful transitions between quarters while expansive windows and flush patios offer a seamless transition to outdoor living spaces.
To achieve the desired resort-like feel that was inspired by the homeowner’s favorite hospitality experiences across the globe, Vertical Arts layered cool, elemental materials. Kansas Limestone, floor-to-ceiling glass, blackened steel, stained wood siding and hickory floors are married with abundant natural light, sleek finishes, textured wall coverings and streamlined furnishings that bring warmth to the space. The interior design team went to great lengths to make it feel cozy, adding glam elements and rustic touches throughout the rooms of the home.
A lobby-inspired, three-sided Minotti sofa anchors the home’s focal living space with perfectly placed windows, a floor-to-ceiling opening glass wall and open site lines that frame the valley view. The cozy sofa allows for the kitchen, living and outdoor patio spaces to blend into each other when entertaining guests. Each of the four guest suites was designed with hospitality in mind and feature individual color palettes, luxurious but minimal furnishings, a coffee bar area, elegant baths and integrated lighting.
After many years of hard work, this pristine home on the prairie represents the next chapter in the land’s history, resulting in a compelling modern home in the mountain valley.
Sarah Tiedeken O’Brien is a partner at Vertical Arts Architecture, a Colorado-based architecture firm specializing in creating some of the nation’s most unique residential and commercial spaces. View their profile or contact Sarah at 970.871.0056.
Content for this article provided by Vertical Arts Architecture.
