This edition of the Phius Project Spotlight Series highlights the Wildewood Residence in Nederland, Colorado.
Our August Project Spotlight is: Wildewood Residence, a single-family project in Nederland, Colorado.
Our monthly Project Spotlights highlight the cutting-edge work being done by Phius professionals and provide examples of successful design and construction strategies. We feature projects of various sizes, typologies, and climate zones, offering you a peek behind the curtain of each. The Project Spotlight series appears in e-blasts to our mailing list (be sure to join if you haven’t already) as well as right here in the Klingenblog.
Shape Architecture Studio designed the Wildewood Residence to perfectly respond to the naturally steep terrain and rocky outcrops of Nederland, Colorado.
Nestled into a rocky hillside, this 3,000 sf Phius Certified home maximizes both comfort and views. At more than 8,000 ft above sea level in one of Colorado’s windiest regions, the ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) home is ruggedly resilient.
Completed over the course of several years by a local homeowner/builder, the project was guided by the extreme climate conditions and the goal of creating a comfortable and low-maintenance mountain home. In a heating-dominated climate, efforts to reduce mechanical heating were imperative to the home's success, and a recent surge of wildfires in this region gave new incentive towards envelope air-tightness and quality.
Triple-pane, locally made, high-performance windows and super-insulated walls and roof provide a sanctuary of calm during the brutal winter weather of the region. On clear days, the large south-facing windows feature views of the Indian Peaks wilderness and nearby ski area. Dark vertical metal siding with red cedar accents echoes the surrounding ponderosa forest. On the entry side the form is low and set into the hill, integrating with the boulders and rock formations exposed in the steep slope. An angular wood vestibule with a butterfly roof welcomes visitors, while the cedar-wrapped carport allows a snapshot view of the beautiful hillside beyond. The large bank of windows greeting guests upon entry dramatically frames the ski area in the distance, while French oak floors and cabinetry millwork create a sense of warmth and refuge.
All images credit to Drew Tooley, Trendem Media