CGModern Architecture has designed this spectacular modern mountain home that celebrates its natural surroundings, located in the Blue Mountain Estates, Golden, Colorado. Perched at the far edge of the property, this compact live-work home in the Colorado mountains frames life against the rugged beauty of its surroundings.
The two-story structure separates work from home, with offices, a guest room, and a garage below, and living spaces above, each designed to celebrate light, views, and the rhythms of nature.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS CGModern Architecture AWARDS AIA Colorado Design Award of Merit
Every room reaches outward, connecting to the landscape. On the lower level, windows in punctured concrete walls offer intimate glimpses of wild turkeys, deer, and the occasional bobcat, while upstairs, floor-to-ceiling windows and light corrugated metal siding make the spaces feel expansive and airy.
The cantilevered living room, 15 feet wide and entirely encased in glass, appears to float above the land, fully immersed in the surrounding mountains.
Mindfulness guided every design decision. Living in the mountains required addressing both environmental and social challenges. Designing a live-work home reduced car trips, while the 1,800-square-foot footprint was carefully scaled for two people.
Multifunctional spaces maximize use while minimizing resources: the master closet doubles as the laundry room, the cantilevered living room creates a sheltered entry porch below, and the deck serves as the garage roof. Fire risk was minimized through simple forms, fire-resistant materials, and the elimination of roof eave vents.
Energy efficiency and climate responsiveness were equally integral. Southern-facing windows warm the concrete floors in winter, while overhangs prevent summer heat gain. Highly insulated walls and triple-pane Alpen Zenith windows create a tightly sealed, thermally comfortable envelope, while operable windows and daylighting throughout reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
Mechanical systems were selected for minimal environmental impact: the home is fully electric, with radiant floor heating supplied by an electric air-to-water heat exchanger, a 4.2 kW photovoltaic system offsets most energy needs, and an ERV ensures fresh air. At 7,600 feet, passive design strategies allow the home to remain comfortable without air conditioning.
The result is a modern mountain home that feels both grounded and elevated. Its minimal, rustic concrete base blends seamlessly into the landscape, while the low-pitch roof offers expansive views and provides adequate slope for snow.
Inside, modern detailing is balanced with natural texture and materials, including oak plywood ceilings, louvered wood screens, and a custom steel spiral staircase.
What We Love About This Home
This home in the mountains of Colorado has been beautifully designed to showcase both form and function. In 1,800 square feet, the architect has managed to design for all essential lifestyle needs, creating a home that is comfortable for a work-life environment. Large windows help to capture the breathtaking mountain views while flooding the interiors with natural light. We are loving the addition of solar panels, which will help the home operate more sustainably and reduce long-term energy costs. The fire-resistant design and minimalist materials further enhance the home’s durability and timeless aesthetic, making it both resilient and refined.
Tell Us: What are your favorite details in the design of this home? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Colorado: This thrilling Colorado mountain home embraces the natural topography and This Colorado mountain house has a fabulous ski-in/ski-out lifestyle.
PHOTOGRAPHER David Lauer Photography
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