A couple from Northern California discovered this quaint lot in the West End neighborhood during a holiday in Aspen. Cottonwood tree lined streets, an adjacent neighborhood park and a brisk ten-minute walk to the center of town, this site had everything they loved about their current home in Palo Alto and more.
The residence is situated on a strong North - South axis that engages a small park to the north and enjoys sweeping views of Aspen Mountain to the south. The upper framed volume of the house, which contains the gym and primary suite, takes in these primary contextual views through wall-to-wall operable windows and deep covered overhangs.
Wrapped in a light color GFRC plank, this volume floats above the heavy stone walls that clad the open living spaces on the ground floor. A rough, split-faced basalt stone was selected to honor the mining history and stone quarries in the region.
Characteristic of this part of town, a large portion of the guest rooms are found below grade to maintain a modest scale house from the street.
A three-story glass stair enclosure and a generous interior lightwell flank either side of the house and draw abundant natural light to the basement level lounge, spa and guest rooms.
Even in the depths of winter, the strong high desert sun will filter into every room of the house.
