Better Rocky Mountain Homes by Design

I’ve been traveling a little bit: I have noticed the construction projects being completed presently are not the big trophy homes we’ve been building the past 20 years, but they are the single family start up type homes. Homes that are simple in design and construction techniques; thus lowering the building costs relative to the degree of finishes employed on the house. There is a unique opportunity for us to lead ourselves out of the housing downturn by providing easy to build, cost efficient, economical designs that construction professionals can erect and finish quickly. The attached picture is a duplex design that has those characteristics. Each side could stand as a single family home, or paired together for greater efficiency for areas with high land cost.

Many properties are undervalued because of the they're steep, tree filled and deemed difficult to build upon. These properties are natural selections for the owner who wants a view. These properties often mandate a distinctive design and meticulous site orientation of the house. The result is a home design that becomes a jewel in the landscape rather than another subdivision abode. These homes typically have a view from every room and are designed to be energy efficient by using solar energy to control mechanical manipulation of the living environment. This is one of the main precepts of "Being Green".

Pictures of commercial projects.

Southwest Colorado's climate is an example of extremes. The weather can go from warm and sunny to snow and blowing snow in a matter of minutes. The design of the homes functions become critical. I like homes that I can walk all around the exterior during a thunderstorm or blizzard and not get wet. Deep protective eaves serve a two-fold purpose; the most important is shade from the sun in the warm months, and the second is on the few inclement weather days, there is an area around the house that doesnt get exposed to the weather. This protects the natural materials used to clad the home and it allows circulation in the winter when snow is falling from every roof. The sun's solstice plays a very important role in the design of homes in Colorado. We have great weather year-round, and can incorporate passive solar capabilities and thermal mass into our homes and enjoy the benefits of green design. Site selection and home orientation are critical for a home that helps you mainta...

Each Client has their own ideas about the type finishes and style their new home will display. A clients verbal description of their dream home holds many keys to the success of the design. Sometimes people will tell me about their ideas before they are clients, these conversations divulge many ideas and nuances that help make the new home personalized to their tastes. My design work is expressly tailored to the clients desires and wishes. Truly elegant homes have a continuity of style and consistent detailing throughout.

Heavy Stone Arch I designed this house a few years ago and it is still one of my favorites. The moss rock veneer and heavy cedar shake roof create a woodsy feel that continues to be a favorite style.This house was conceptualized less than one-half hour before the first meeting with the client. They had just returned from Europe and liked the atmosphere of the pencil sketch.