This project was conceived for clients who lost their home in the devastating 2021 Marshall Fire, focusing on creating a residence that balances comfort with contextual sensitivity to the neighborhood. Prioritizing time and cost efficiency, essential drivers of the rebuild, the clients desired a design that harmonized with the neighborhood’s scale while incorporating an elevated, modern aesthetic. Initially planned as a larger residence, the design was ultimately reduced to a modest 1,500 square feet due to pandemic-driven supply chain challenges and associated rising costs. The home’s massing is organized into three shed forms: two are dedicated to the main residence at the front, while a covered breezeway connects to a detached garage. Vertical plank cement board cladding provides depth and textural complexity, creating a visual interplay of light and shadow across the facade.

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Light played a crucial role in shaping the project. Limited by budget constraints, large glass expanses were substituted with strategically positioned punctures along the exterior, framing views of the surrounding environment. These openings are further enhanced by deep wood shadow boxes, contrasting against the dark facade to add visual relief. The use of vertical cedar shake dormers introduces a dynamic exploration of volume and rhythm, creating subtle disruptions in form that add a layer of sophistication to the compact design.

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Referred to as the "Periscope House" due to its distinctive dormers, the project intends to reinterpret the traditional architectural element of the "dormer" to challenge the internal spatial logic of the residence. These dormers are not designed to be occupiable spaces but instead serve as vertical volumes that mark significant moments within the home's circulation and help orient occupants spatially. This architectural gesture is simultaneously legible from the exterior and articulated within the interior. The remainder of the home revolves around a modest open floor plan, prioritizing the activation of outdoor spaces and fostering a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. 

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The interior design centers on creating a warm, inviting backdrop that highlights the client’s curated furniture and art pieces, including custom pieces crafted by Duncan, such as the dining table. Given Duncan and Allison’s expertise as a Michelin-starred chef and general manager (respectively) at Denver based Beckon, the kitchen naturally takes precedence within the design. Prioritizing efficiency, this spacious kitchen anchors the home’s main volume, serving as a vital gathering space that fosters connection and interaction.  

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A key priority in the design was establishing a seamless connection to the outdoors. Positioned on an exposed corner lot, the orientation of the internal spaces was carefully organized to maximize exposure to western views and natural sunlight. The primary bedroom and living room feature sliding glass doors that open onto a central courtyard, fostering an immersive interaction with the surrounding landscape and enhancing the spatial dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments. This central courtyard functions as an outdoor living room, creating an extension of the internal spaces and offering a private, sheltered area within the exposed lot. Through the integration of landscape elements and natural materials, the courtyard becomes a transition zone that softens the boundary between built and natural environments. Views, sunlight, and air circulation are directed through strategic openings and layered spatial experiences, emphasizing a design that encourages interaction with the surroundings while ensuring privacy and comfort. This approach not only elevates the daily experience within the home but also reinforces a sustainable connection to place.

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