One day this period of uncertainty (AKA the year 2020) will end but will the memories ever fade completely? And how will these experiences effect our lives and lifestyle choices… as the place that we once called home takes on other myriad and unanticipated roles like Oasis, Office, School, Sanctuary, Health Club, Refuge, Homestead, and Pandemic Pad. Our clients are telling us that they expect their new homes to be more versatile, capable, and sustainable than ever before. And we are listening. Here’s what several clients envisioned for three very different homes designed in 2020.
Sanctuary Home
This married couple and former urban dwellers want their home to be a “one stop shop” for an active, work at home, lifestyle. A built in Miele Expresso Maker will save them the trip to Starbucks in the morning. A dedicated lower level “Activity Space” opens up to the western patio and will be perfect for a morning Peloton ride, and yoga with friends, without having to brave the crowds at the local health club. The home gym and spa experience includes an 8 person dry sauna, an oversized steam shower, and a family-sized hot tub just outside on the patio beneath the deck. On the upper floor office has plenty of windows for great daylight, an closet for filing cabinets and office sundries, an L shaped counter with two workstations, and a compact couch and coffee table. After work, they plan to hit the home gym some days and other days, runs or snowshoe the myriad mountain trails behind the house. At mealtime, they will shop their oversized pantry and added cold storage from the once a month Costco run and choose a perfectly paired bottle of wine from the wine cellar. Afterwards, it’s a true home theater experience they will share in the lower Rec Room. All powered by the 10kw solar array and battery system that is part of the zero net energy equation for this home. After years of city bustle, this “Slo-life” Mountain Sanctuary is a healthy and happy lifestyle alternative.
The Retreat
Our second couple have raised their now intend to transition from the Oklahoma suburbs to a new custom home in Colorado meticulously designed and crafted to their exact wishes. This mountain oasis is not only a gift to themselves but also something to be shared with their many friends who will join them regularly on Spiritual Retreats centered around Native American culture and awareness. They plan a larger home that will effortlessly accommodate up to 20 friends and family at a time. They choose a very private 3 acre mountain view lot with an aspen grove and hillside that will be perfect for winter sledding. The spacious chef’s kitchen, dining, and living space will open to a substantial western patio through 20’ Nana Wall glass. The sprawling stone patio with numerous congregational spaces and seating areas is surrounded by flower beds, boulder walls, and native flowers and grasses. The patio features outdoor cooking, a gas fire pit, a large stone topped island with seating, and 15 person hot tub and swim spa with a a sun deck. A path leads westward through the aspens to an authentic Teepee that comfortably glamps 6. Many days they plan to witness dawn from the upper level meditation room with its panoramic windows and an oversized deck which is perfect for watching the sun set. This shared mountain retreat is a perfect place to create positive memories and nurture communion surrounded by nature and fellowship.
The New Homestead
Two Tech Entrepreneurs want to trade one “Valley” in California for a more tranquil one in Colorado with less smog and traffic. They imagine the perfect get-a-way place for their extended, multi-generational family. The lower level features a bunk room and several bedrooms, a gym and Spa bathroom walking out to a west facing mountain view yoga deck, hot tub, and sauna. No need to go to town for the party, this home has its own Cowboy Bar, wine cellar, pool table, and surround sound theater with fireplace. The main level features a panoramic view kitchen, living, and dining area anchored by a four-sided fireplace at center crowned by 25’ wood ceilings and steel structural elements and beams. Past the kitchen and through the 15’ sliding glass door the deck skirts the entire west of the home with abundant ski area views from the outdoor kitchen and seating area. The Owner’s suite feels more a “tree-house” apartment with its massive south to west mountain views from the bed and lounge with a shared fireplace between. On the upper floor is the Eagles Nest lounge with its sly Manhattan inspired vibes, cocktail lounge décor, and deck observatory. This high-tech pair may have left the city behind for a healthier high-altitude alternative, but they fully intend to turn up the volume and heat up the cold winter nights with family and guests at their new Colorado Homestead.
Three different sets of clients and three very differently inspired and designed homes. Yet all with an essential common threads. The desire to leave behind what is not essential and to move forward toward something deeply inspired and important. To express independence and still, a desire to connect. Having reckoned with the past, it is now time to move thoughtfully and respectfully forward and embrace a New Normal.
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