At the base of Mount Sanitas, just off North Boulder Park, lies Newlands House, a stunning example of the transformative power of contemporary design. Once an outdated Tuscan-style dwelling, this family home underwent a remarkable metamorphosis with Tectonic Design Build at the helm. From outdated to clean and contemporary, the Newlands House project exemplifies Tectonic's commitment to elevating everyday living experiences through thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Tectonic Design Build, founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Dylan Ochala and Kelsie Michelson, embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship, bespoke craftsmanship and innovative design. Dylan's expertise as a general contractor led him to pursue better building standards beyond conventional codes and Kelsie's role as COO has propelled the company's growth through strategic leadership. By emphasizing transparency, collaboration and fostering enduring partnerships with their clients, Tectonic is reshaping industry norms while setting new standards in design and construction, driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to community.
"Transforming a family space from outmoded to clean and contemporary means elevating their everyday experience and offering more possibilities for what’s to come," says Kate King, Lead Interior Designer at Tectonic.
The journey began with a vision to reimagine the home's interiors, emphasizing light-filled spaces and an open-concept floor plan conducive to seamless living. Tectonic set out to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living by taking advantage of the home’s location beneath the foothills and capitalizing on the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Expanding windows, a neutral color palette and contrasting wood tones were carefully chosen to complement the natural landscape and flood the interiors with warmth and airiness.
Maximizing space and light was paramount in the design process. Tectonic's approach involved collaborative architectural and structural planning to actualize spaces that didn't previously exist. Additional rooms, including a wine bar and a new en suite bedroom, were seamlessly integrated into the floor plan to accommodate the family's lifestyle and preferences. Walls were removed to create fluidity between communal areas, enhancing the sense of togetherness that the family cherished.
“We integrated a sleek and modern Ortal fireplace in the sitting room with floating millwork extending from the modern hearth,” shares Kate. “We collaborated with the Denver-based luxury brand, Vonmod, for all custom cabinetry that provided a functional beauty to each space.” High-quality materials, such as sintered stone countertops and book-matched slabs, were chosen for their durability and timeless appeal, ensuring a high-performing home that feels as good as it looks.
But the true essence of Newlands House lies in its celebration of artistic collaboration. Recognizing the wealth of talent within their local ecosystem, Tectonic Design Build invited a host of female-led businesses to contribute their expertise to the project. "Our recent remodel at Newlands House was the perfect stage to shine a light on the brilliant designers, stylists and female founders whose work we so admire," says Kelsie, reflecting on the collaborative effort.
In collaborating with local businesses like Süti & Co. for their Scandinavian-inspired homewares, Incrementum Co. for their knowledge of biophilic plant design, Boulder Bloom for floral artistry and Jones & Co., a modern mercantile born from a passion for conscious living that prioritizes ethically-made, high-quality goods that minimize the environmental impact, the renovation of Newlands House pays tribute to the collective influence of women in the realm of design. “Together, we wove a story of modern elegance infused with the personalities and artistic thoughtfulness hand-delivered from each of these female-led businesses,” emphasizes Kelsie.
In their commitment to sustainability, Tectonic employs eco-friendly practices and materials throughout the renovation process. From diverting construction waste from landfills by partnering with Boulder’s Resource Central and Perks Deconstruction to using zero VOC paint and sourcing natural materials whenever possible, every decision is guided by a dedication to environmental stewardship. Electric appliances are prioritized to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while plumbing selections adhere to WaterSense or Calgreen certification standards.
At its core, Tectonic Design Build's Newlands House project is more than just a remodel; it's a celebration of exquisite design, sustainability and community. By seamlessly blending form and function, Tectonic has brought a family’s dream home to life and created a timeless sanctuary where comfort converges with elegance and luxury.
To learn more, visit https://www.tectonicbuilds.com/