When a kind couple with a large Great Dane came to us with a dream of building their final dream home in Twin Lakes, we knew we had to help them bring their vision to life. Blue J centers on durability and connection to the land. Fire-resilient corrugated rusted metal wall panels anchor the exterior, while spacious interior gathering areas create a warm sense of welcome. You’re initially invited into the house by the soft wood paneling, which demarcates the entry coves. The roof lines rise gently toward the views, shaping covered outdoor spaces and reflecting the rugged contours of the surrounding mountains.
Morgan Law
Diem Tran
Kip Construction
Vertex Engineering
Bright Sense
Cesare, Inc
Sarah Vanderpool: Shape Architecture Studio
2,365 sf
Twin Lakes, CO
Homeowner
Set on a rural site where wildlife outnumbers neighbors, the house sits low on the land and blends with the deep red tones of the earth. High-performance, energy-efficient triple-glazed Alpen windows complete the tight building envelope and frame the sweeping landscape. The plan is organized into two wings: the living wing and the bedroom wing. The living room, kitchen, and dining areas face south to harness solar gain, while the bedrooms are placed on the east to greet the morning sun. A wood stove brings warmth and glow to the living space for cold winter nights.
Inside, an air-to-water heat pump and heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system support this electric system, creating a home that is efficient to operate in every season. Thickly insulated walls, high-performance glazing, and thoughtful passive solar strategies work together to create lasting comfort. A discrete poche of storage and support spaces forms the western wall of the bedroom wing, offering privacy between the entry and the more intimate rooms. This house is a testament to a well-functioning floor plan being more important than sheer square footage.
