warren residence
“River House”
A river runs through it, well at least right by it. The Crystal River, appears to flow from the iconic Mt. Sopris from the south towards the dramatic iron-red cliffs of Red Hill to the north. With spectacular views in every direction, and a climate that lures you outside anytime of year this house in Carbondale, Colorado blurs the distinction between inside and out with carefully framed views and layers of habitable space.
As a residence for a couple enjoying an extremely active retirement, with frequent visits by kids and grand kids, the house has three bedrooms, two guest rooms upstairs, and the master located on the main level for non-stair living. A family room overlooks the main living space with a sliding barn door to close it off as an additional bedroom. There is of course lots of room in the large garage for the sports equipment required by their active Colorado lifestyle, a bike maintenance shop for their tandem bikes, and a detached shed for rafts, skis, clubs, yard equipment, etc.
Inside and out, this house balances time tested western vernacular solutions to the Rocky Mountain climate with current materials and technologies. The lofty barn configuration of the great room with its exposed functional beams fits into the agricultural context of the surrounding ranch land. Its vertical proportions allow spaces on both levels to enjoy view of magnificent Mt. Sopris. A generous porch wraps most of the eastern side of the lower level, the cooler side over looking the river, an inviting extension of usable living space for most of the year.
River House may be a careful response to the attributes of a specific location, but its plan is also a sensible and response to the lifestyle of most mountain west families in need of three bedrooms. Comfortable connections to the out of doors, great natural light, a good balance of private and public spaces, inspiring heights and cozy nooks, and a style that is crisply contemporary and timelessly comfortable.
publications
Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine, "A Tasteful Home in Carbondale Stands Out by Blending In," July 2020, Summer edition.