Ecological responsibility, and uncompromising views, guided the design by Fanas Architecture of this 4,300-square-foot modern mountainside home located in Estes Park, Colorado. A conventional driveway and foundation would have left little of this small, 9,900 square-foot site unscared.

Placing the house on a series of concrete piers, color-matched to the site’s soil, and bridging across from the road, allow original hillside runoff patterns to remain, and flow under the house. It is a home that celebrates the intersection of earth and sky.

The tendrils of this home thread among the existing Lodgepole Pine trees to create a complex intermingling of architecture and landscape. 

The earthen-colored piers, blurring the boundary between building and site, are juxtaposed against the home’s uninterrupted expanse of triple-glazed windows, capturing the dramatic panorama of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Continental Divide, anchored by Longs Peak to the south.

Unlike most homes, or built projects in general, which are intended to be the feature element, this home serves as a viewing platform for what is truly the feature element.

Nestled among evergreens at almost 9,000 feet on the steeply sloped hillside, this home does not attempt to frame the ever-changing views of alpine forests & snow-covered peaks but allows those views to run to, and off, the edge of the canvas.

The views from within the home predicated its design, to lift the patrons above the trees and allow one to step to the edge for the full, unhindered expansive view.

When entering the front door and moving through the relatively shallow entry area, the simplistic interior architecture makes no effort to compete with the views beyond the glass. Still, it provides a comfortable place to take in the always-changing vistas.

Other design features & elements:

• With prevalent winds coming from the north, the north deck incorporates a sliding glass ‘wind screen’.
• A central, enclosed deck shares a see-through fireplace with the great room.
• The primary suite has its own private deck with access to the bedroom and study.
• Views, Views, Views – All public spaces (living, dining, kitchen, family) and three of the four bedrooms, have the Divide views.
• Uninterrupted views required the largest triple-glazed glass panels we’ve ever utilized for any project at a size of 10’ tall x 13’ wide.
• Light grey, wide plank oak flooring with in-floor radiant heat runs throughout.
• The lower level is designed to accommodate a separation of guests, with its own living, sleeping, and kitchenette facilities.
• To avoid a TV over the Living Room fireplace, it rises from below the hearth.
• The mudroom is located between the garage and front entry, sharing use from both entries.
• The pantry is located between the garage and the kitchen.
• Public and private spaces are separated on each floor by the glass stair bridge.

What We Love: This mountainside home offers the most incredible views of the Rocky Mountain National Park from its idyllic perch. Large windows throughout this home help to frame these views, which we can imagine would be breathtaking throughout the seasons. The clean lines and minimal furnishings help to not detract from these views, ensuring that the natural beauty remains the focal point of the living space. Overall, the architects did a fantastic job of creating this cliffside home to intermingle with nature. 

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate mountain home? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Colorado: A beautiful and sophisticated home at the base of the Rocky Mountains and This modern farmhouse has serene mountain views in Snowmass, Colorado.

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