An Aspen/Snowmass ski house at an elevation of 9000 feet (2700 meters) with 180 degree mountain views this 6000 square ft (557 square meters) house was originally constructed in 1989.
In this project the house was effectively rebuilt on the inside and new exterior construction added enlarged bedrooms and sliding glass windows/doors to all rooms. Adding significant lateral structural support where required, the interior was entirely de-constructed to replace the overcrowded and boxy living space by opening up the double height rooms. Full height sliding doors were inserted for the kitchen/living room, five bedrooms and media room and the house is now flooded with light and views - dramatic snow capped mountains in the winter and aspen trees in the summer.
Reclaimed vintage chestnut boards are used throughout with underfloor radiant heating. Low voltage computer controlled lighting creates a theatrical atmosphere at night. Walls were rebuilt to incorporate a shadow gap and visually 'float', amplifying the flow of space and continuity. Large pieces of glass were inserted in many walls, without noticeable framing, that have the effect of bringing the dramatic outside landscape 'inside' and become a feature of the house. The stair treads are covered in reclaimed leather imported from Argentina and stitched by an American saddle maker, and the handrails are made from folded mild steel.
The double entry doors were custom made in copper and in a later renovation the entire exterior of house was covered in reclaimed barn siding and the original roof was replaced with rusted steel.
A series of white pods were constructed containing the working elements of the kitchen (with sliding pocket doors) and restrooms, leaving the apex of the roof construction and ceiling visible throughout. The custom designed kitchen has freestanding granite work counters with anodized steel cupboards and drawers containing hobs, dishwasher, small fridges and storage. Elsewhere there are additional small fridges and a huge walk-in commercial fridge hidden behind the pods.
The master bedroom and bathroom are part of the same room but separated by a custom built wall that has the bed on one side and cantilevered stone wash-basins on the other. Both share an outside deck. The bathroom has a double walk-in shower and steam room with fire hydrant shower pipes and an oversize stone bath tub angled to watch the sunset.
On the lower level there are a series of bedrooms either with en-suite marble showers and steam rooms and/or with additonial freestanding bathtubs. In the newly constructed bedroom suites at the east and west end of the building the beds are cantilevered and face a wall of unframed glass that makes it appear that the room is open to the elements. In both these bedrooms room there are free standing bathtubs and an enclosed shower/steam room and restroom with sliding etched glass doors which allows for light to filter in as well as providing privacy.
The lower level also houses an office, tech room and media room with full kitchen.
Lighting is a particular feature of this design creating a dramatic backdrop at night for the extensive collection of contemporary art and photography.
The garden and landscape was extensively re-designed over several levels and extends to 1.5 acres with a strategically placed hot tub.
Architectural Design: Nick Heath
Interior Design: Nick Heath
Custom Furniture Design: Nick Heath
Photography: Michael Crockett
Press: Aspen Peak Magazine, Elle Decoration China, Dezeen