Perched atop a hill on a forty-acre site just outside Steamboat Springs, this family retreat with an attached garage offers a private sanctuary surrounded by sweeping mountain and valley views. The house was carefully positioned to remain discreetly hidden from the main road, allowing the architecture to quietly merge with the land while fully embracing the dramatic vistas to the east.
Steve Scribner
Morgan Law
Erica Robinson
Diem Tran
HLCC Construction
MC Squared Inc.
Bright Sense
Vibe Design Collective
Collective Carpentry
Sarah Vanderpool, Shape Architecture Studio
3,111 sf
Steamboat Springs, CO
TBD
We highly recommend Shape Architecture. Building our dream home was a complex and challenging journey, especially after previous disappointing experiences; from the moment we began working with Shape, everything changed.
Morgan led his team with exceptional vision and care. He truly took the time to get to know us: our lifestyle, values, and long-term goals and thoughtfully translated those into a custom design that exceeded our expectations. Our goal of creating a passive house was fully understood and expertly executed. Throughout the process, Morgan and his team were attentive, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in our success. We always felt that Shape had our best interests at heart. Morgan’s insight, guidance, and leadership provided clarity and confidence at every step, far beyond what we could have achieved on our own. We are incredibly grateful for the experience and cannot recommend Shape Architecture highly enough.Â
– Homeowner
The plan is organized into two distinct wings that balance privacy and connectivity. The primary wing contains the kitchen, dining area, living room, and primary suite, all oriented to capture morning light and mountain views. The secondary wing accommodates guest bedrooms, providing a more secluded retreat for family and visitors. These two volumes are joined by a grand entryway that serves as both a visual and functional link, opening directly to the backyard and creating an integral transition between interior and exterior spaces.
The design process was informed by a commitment to creating a home that is both energy-efficient and inherently comfortable. The residence is built with prefabricated panels by Collective Carpentry that feature a double stud wall assembly, combining the main structural framing with an exoskeletal layer filled with insulation. This same system continues through the roof, forming a continuous, high-performance thermal envelope that eliminates air transfer between inside and out. Radiant heating throughout ensures consistent comfort, even in the coldest winter months.
Designed for both seasonal and year-round living, this residence reflects a thoughtful balance of craftsmanship, sustainability, and harmony with the expansive landscape of beautiful Steamboat Springs.
