Before & After: A Steamboat Deck Makeover
A penthouse apartment's outdoor space, revamped
Anchored at the base of the ski resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this penthouse apartment at One Steamboat Place sits up tall and boasts some stunning mountain vistas. As many luxury apartments do, the space includes expansive decks and balconies to maximize its views.
There was just one problem. The apartment’s outdoor spaces were—for lack of a better word—drab. An existing grill area divided the deck into two separate spaces that had to be accessed from adjacent interior rooms, creating the need for a more seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Not much had been done by way of outdoor furniture and décor, save a hot tub and red hammock.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
It was the perfect undertaking for Brandt Vanderbosch, Andy VanBlarcum, and Michele McCarthy of Steamboat Springs-based Vertical Arts Architecture. “The first major design decision was to demolish the existing grill area and create an opening that would connect the two spaces through an exterior portal,” Vanderbosch says, “creating two distinct yet joined spaces.”
One space is uncovered, allowing the homeowners to bask in the sun and stars; the other space is covered, offering a warm and inviting area for entertaining.
The design team—which included structural engineers KL&A Inc. and HLCC Construction—crafted multiple levels on the uncovered deck that house a hot tub, covered trellis, and comfortable seating surrounding a gas fireplace. Uniquely curved and crafted furniture—The Elements Collection by Brown Jordan—was selected for its hand-woven and powder-coated aluminum frames.
"The fabrics and rugs are solution-dyed acrylic fibers with high-quality pigments that result in enduring color, designed to withstand the outdoors," says McCarthy. Planters were also built in to provide green space and the opportunity for the homeowners to cultivate their own rooftop garden.
“The main attraction of the uncovered deck is the translucent Lumicor wall in a bright sunflower color,” McCarthy adds. To contrast the bright panels, new stone parapet walls and metal railings add a touch of modern-industrial flare.
The main focus of the covered deck is conversation—creating spaces where the homeowners’ friends and family could gather, connect, and enjoy themselves year-round.
Loveseats and lounges provide ample seating against a decorative steel-paneled backdrop.
“The new grill and TV area creates a hub of entertainment,” says Vanderbosch. “Also, a new steel armature with natural gas heaters and outdoor pendants gives scale to the space while also making it comfortable into the chilly evenings.”
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN Brandt Vanderbosch, Andy VanBlarcum, Michele McCarthy, Vertical Arts Architecture ENGINEERING KL&A Inc. CONTRACTOR HLCC Construction
