Created by Factor Design Build in collaboration with Affect Architecture, this modern and elegant new construction home is a masterpiece of design, minimalism, and harmony with nature, nestled in the Boulder Hills.
The guiding principle for the project was clear from the outset. "Our core focus is 'Create spaces that improve people's lives,'" explains David Bell, director of business development at Factor Design Build, the firm behind the project’s build and interior design. "That was the goal for the space in this home: to design and create a space that added function and value to not only the owner but also the surrounding community."
The concept began with a deep appreciation for natural materials and the interplay of light and space. According to David, "Natural materials are really at the forefront of this project. The clean lines of Modern and Japanese, balancing with the symmetry found in the wood grain in the kitchen and inconsistencies and variations in stone and Shou Sugi Ban exterior [a Japanese wood preserving technique of charring the wood and finishing it with oil to create a charcoal-like finish]."
The homeowners sought a serene yet modern retreat that harmonized with its surroundings, so for Factor Design Build and Affect Architecture, designing a home that felt integrated was paramount. This vision informed every design choice, from materials to spatial flow. The design’s connection to the environment is evident in these choices. "Most finishes are geared towards natural elements and trying to blend in with the surrounding environment rather than sticking out like a sore thumb," shares David.
Lighting was another critical consideration. "The quality of the natural lighting within the house is incredible," shares the architecture team, Brian Martin and Kevin Sietmann, co-founders of Affect Architecture and the masterminds behind the project’s architectural design. "The tall ceilings, vaulted upper floors, and ability to create some unique sectional qualities within different spaces allow a unique connection between the upper and lower floors." The design also centers around maximizing the site's depth, a rare feature in many urban areas. This enabled the creation of two striking courtyards: a main entry courtyard and a rear entertaining space.
Other key goals included delineating public and private spaces and creating intentional experiential qualities within the open-concept design, culminating in the home’s guest wing which was once completely detached from the residence. "While an open-concept idea was important, we wanted to create the feeling of intentional space delineation and experiential qualities within the larger volumes,” states the Affect team. “For example, while the great room and kitchen are adjacent to one another, the ceiling is raised by several feet within the great room to create a different experience than the lower ceilings of the kitchen and dining room.”
Several standout elements showcase the care and craftsmanship that went into the construction. The Affect team highlights the steelwork as a defining feature. "All of the metalwork on the site was really well crafted. The exposed structural steel connections on the exterior of the house, as well as the steel screen between the kitchen and staircase, are our favorite examples of this."
What also sets this home apart within the Front Range area is its balance of subtlety and sophistication. "Each of its exterior design elements would be standout things on their own, but the way they are blended together almost hides them," reflects David. "The way the house is oriented on the lot within the existing foliage to make it subtle, and the more you look at it, the more you notice."
The final design offers a harmonious blend of intentional and intimate gathering spaces in a serene and refined setting. This thoughtful, nature-inspired sanctuary stands as proof of Factor Design Build and Affect Architecture's shared vision of creating spaces that enrich lives.
Project Credits:
Design & Build: Factor Design Build
Architecture: Affect Architecture