This rustic riverfront home was designed by David Johnston Architects, located next to a roaring river in the mountains of Woody Creek, Colorado. Situated on a steep, wooded bank (the lot slants up to 30 degrees) a mere 10 feet from the Roaring Fork River on Lower River Road in Old Snowmass, the three-level design is virtually suspended above the water among the branches, like a modern interpretation of a treehouse.
Throughout this 4,500 square foot home, one can hear the river, which is particularly true of the second level, where the kitchen, living room and dining room are located. Features like floor-to-ceiling window walls, tilted windows and a cantilevered third story loft bring the river into the elevated space.
The 1960’s-era home was discovered by the Feldman’s in 2003, one of the few home sites lower than the highway, so noise was not an issue. They had their sights set on building a new home since the original one was very compact and not to their liking. But there was a catch, in 2006, the county began requiring that new homes be pushed back 50-100 feet from the river—unless they’re built on an existing foundation. So when they hired the architects, the challenge was to design a new home to fit the original foundation. The tight building envelope posed a dilemma, but it also resulted in a category-defying design.
The architects used cantilevered masses throughout the second story to expand the size of the house without violating codes. The result was a kitchen that extends eight feet from the original footprint and a dramatic entryway bridge suspended in the trees.
The design was widely dictated by the constraints the architects were faced with. Angled cantilevers were put where they are because it was literally the only place they could go beyond the foundation. This is also the reason the architects designed a bridge to the entry, instead of a retaining wall. The resulting design was unique, since it was created from the site rather than on it.
What We Love: This spectacular treehouse-like home in Old Snowmass offers some unique features, including a dramatic entryway bridge suspended in the trees. Angled cantilevers and custom slanted windows helps to capture the magnificent riverfront views, while offering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. An exterior facade of stone, wood and glass offers a modern aesthetic, yet does not clash with the natural surroundings.
Readers, what do you think of the design of this project, are there any details you would have done differently?
Above: The countertops in the kitchen are Brazilian Palladio granite.
Photos: Brands & Kribbs Architectural Photography
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