As Jon and Amy Cooper were looking to move on from the urban Denver neighborhood where they’d been living, their four young children were at the top of their minds.
“We joked that we weren’t sure if we were looking to move to the suburbs or to the 1980s,” says Amy. “We wanted to find an environment where our kids could ride bikes, play in the cul de sac and have the kind of freedom that we grew up with.”
The Coopers found a home in just such an area that embodied the atmosphere they’d been seeking. However, the 2005 structure was not optimized to facilitate the family’s everyday lives and many passions. Add in Jon and Amy’s desire to have a home base for their entrepreneurial ventures and a space to host large family events and fundraisers and it was clear that a remodel was needed. The Coopers engaged with Boulder’s Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Construction to renovate the home with the theme of balance as its foundation.
“We wanted to create a house that was extremely livable, while also being an expression of ourselves. Striking the balance between beautiful form and ease of functionality was one of our core tenants,” says Amy. “We also wanted to embrace Colorado style while bringing a much more contemporary feel to the home.”
The Coopers began a wonderful working relationship with the Rodwin and Skycastle teams as they collaborated to create a day-to-day playground for their family that could also serve as a stunning venue for guests—all with luxury and livability working harmoniously.
“The Coopers really trusted our team, and our design/build process was ideally suited for this project,” says Scott Rodwin, AIA, LEED AP and founder of Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Construction. “We did a total gut remodel plus a complete overhaul of the site to customize the home to fully support the functions of their busy household.”
The Rodwin team began at the home’s core, removing the interior walls to bring all of the main floor social spaces together. This forms a cohesive heart of the abode that also serves as a highly versatile, multifunctional space. The expanded kitchen island accommodates ample cooking area and seating for the family, while the dining area was reconfigured to facilitate both everyday meals and dinner parties. Windows were added to allow natural light to spill in and to connect the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Meanwhile, the great room features a standout focal point with a custom wall to display the family’s art collection.
“While we love the wow factor, we also love ease,” says Amy. “We find our home beautiful, but it’s also very comfortable and livable. There’s nothing about this house that feels like a museum—there is nothing breakable and no sharp edges.”
The fully transformed basement is another example of this blend of everyday fun and entertaining prowess. It includes a movie theater, arcade, pool hall and upscale bar—just some of the dual play and entertainment spaces that define so much of the property, which project manager Cecelia Kane calls a cornucopia of entertainment options.
The award-winning outdoor and landscaped areas by EDI also perfectly blend play, grandeur and relaxation. The custom play structure and game lawn allow for endless fun, and they are complemented by a pool, hot tub, firepit, gazebos and new patios. The centerpiece is a giant Rocky Mountain-inspired koi pond and waterfall, which lends gorgeous serenity to the scene. This oasis-like quality is echoed within the home in the primary bathroom, a uniquely private space with handmade Ann Sacks tiles and a custom book-matched walnut floating vanity. Similarly stunning design details are prevalent throughout the rest of the home as well, with interior finishes and furnishings by Kate Moore of Kimball Modern Design + Interiors.
From the inviting wine cellar—an area that Jon feels is the showpiece of the house—to the prolific organic gardens and full gym, each of the home’s elements is representative of the family’s passions and values. A large part of the renovation was likewise dramatically improving the home’s sustainability with a rebuilt HVAC system with electric air source heat pumps, solar panels and car chargers.
Since its completion, this project has been selected for a host of state and national awards and recognitions. In all, it is a home that the Coopers can relish in no matter what the day may bring, whether it’s a lively family night, a vibrant event or a time for peace and relaxation.