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Betasso Overlook

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Location
Boulder, Colorado
Year
2024
Taking in the view of Betasso Nature Preserve.
Taking in the view of Betasso Nature Preserve.
A glass entry connects "Cabin 1" and "Cabin 2", creating a sunny space in between.
A glass entry connects "Cabin 1" and "Cabin 2", creating a sunny space in between.
Entry at Betasso Overlook, landscaped with native grasses.
Entry at Betasso Overlook, landscaped with native grasses.
Just past sunrise at Betasso Overlook.
Just past sunrise at Betasso Overlook.
Double fir rafters encase steel flitch plates, allowing for long spans of open space. Hemlock ceilings layer above, bringing warmth to the inside.
Double fir rafters encase steel flitch plates, allowing for long spans of open space. Hemlock ceilings layer above, bringing warmth to the inside.
'Betasso Overlook' is aptly named for its view of Betasso Nature Preserve, 1,100 acres of single-track trails through ponderosa pine forest, granite rock outcroppings, and summertime wildflowers.
'Betasso Overlook' is aptly named for its view of Betasso Nature Preserve, 1,100 acres of single-track trails through ponderosa pine forest, granite rock outcroppings, and summertime wildflowers.
Easy access to firewood that fuels the wood-burning stove.
Easy access to firewood that fuels the wood-burning stove.
Concrete counters extend to the exterior.
Concrete counters extend to the exterior.
The owner, founder of Archistoric Lighting Studio, restored mid-century Danish light fixtures throughout the home.
The owner, founder of Archistoric Lighting Studio, restored mid-century Danish light fixtures throughout the home.
White oak cabinetry by 'Henry Built'
White oak cabinetry by 'Henry Built'
Kitchen by 'Henry Built'. Dark stained white oak with quartzite island top.
Kitchen by 'Henry Built'. Dark stained white oak with quartzite island top.
Stepping down into "Cabin 3"
Stepping down into "Cabin 3"
The bedroom in "Cabin 3" is positioned to face north for ambient natural light.
The bedroom in "Cabin 3" is positioned to face north for ambient natural light.
Double fir rafters align with white oak cabinetry below, creating a sense of rhythm and calm.
Double fir rafters align with white oak cabinetry below, creating a sense of rhythm and calm.
Entry bench in "Cabin 1"
Entry bench in "Cabin 1"
Twilight
Twilight
Twilight
Twilight

Details

Square Feet
3670

Credits

From Renée del Gaudio Architecture

Betasso Overlook challenges traditional alpine cabin norms, creating a new vernacular rooted in Rocky Mountain culture, climate, and landscape. The form shuts down winter winds with a solid and steep roof/wall and opens up to the morning sun with floor-to-ceiling glass. The form is broken down into three smaller volumes and clad entirely in dark metal so as not to upstage its stunning alpine setting.

The three-cabin composition is in tune with the topography, with each cabin stepping down in elevation as one moves toward the view of Betasso Nature Preserve. The cabins are distinctly programmed for working, living, and sleeping. Glass halls connect each cabin, creating a sunny “space between.”

Common materials are arranged in an innovative configuration. Double fir rafters encase steel flitch plates, allowing for long spans of open space. Hemlock ceilings layer above, bringing warmth to the inside. Rafters align with the cabinetry below, creating a sense of rhythm and calm. Concrete floors ground the house to its rugged mountain site.

The home is 100% gas-free, operating on geothermal energy and electric appliances. A ground source heat pump provides radiant floor heating. Floor-to-ceiling casement windows create an airy interior space with natural cross-ventilation. Continuous insulation around the exterior framed walls forms an airtight building envelope. The home operates net zero with a 9kW photovoltaic array.