Big Valley Residence

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Pam and Rod are from Connecticut and retiring to Steamboat. Since their property is over 35 acres, and heavily treed, the first priority was to find the ideal spot to build. After much crashing around through trees and undergrowth, we found a ridge that gave them views overlooking a meadow of wild flowers and the valley to the south, the ski mountain to the east, and a forest of mixed aspen and fir trees to the north. Every major room would take advantage of one or more of those views. It was well worth the effort to find the perfect location for the home.

They knew they wanted to use typical materials found in a mountain house, but in a non-typical manner. So we chose to use exposed steel beams and trusses to support a wood ceiling in a large great room. The great room also has a large stone fireplace surrounded by gangs of windows and window seats. Large, covered decks. off the great room, extend the livable space of the house into the site. An open stair and gallery are used to show much of Pam’s collection of South American art. The house is full of unexpected angles to take advantage of the exterior views but also create exciting internal views.