Aspen

This 33,000-square-foot primary residence in downtown Aspen is located within the historic central residential district. The concept for home’s form is imagined as a collection of huge geological boulders carved away to admit daylight. To comply with the town’s height and massing constraints, two-thirds of the residence was built below grade, creating a massive basement—an “iceberg,” where most of the program is hidden beneath the surface. The orientation and massing of each volume were carefully calibrated to frame views, capture solar patterns, and align with celestial movements across the seasons.

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Studio VARA developed this conceptual design into a fully resolved and buildable project. Working with top-tier consultants, the team translated cutting-edge ideas—rain-screen assemblies, expansive glass, and advanced “healthy home” indoor air-quality systems—into technical solutions suited for Aspen’s extreme alpine climate. Snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, temperature swings, and low humidity all required careful adaptation of contemporary strategies to the mountain environment.

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The clients sought a retreat that balances family life, wellness, and entertaining.The landscape design extends the home outward with a large fire feature and circular seating, water elements, and pathways leading to a promontory overlooking the ravine, river, and valley. Surrounded by mature trees and expansive views toward both the ski slopes and Red Mountain, the site provides privacy while fostering a powerful connection to the natural landscape.

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Completed

2021

Location

Aspen, CO

Contractor

Harriman Construction, Inc

Category

Residential

Photo Credit

Draper White

Design Architect

Jeffrey Berkus Architects

Contractor

Harriman Construction, Inc

Construction Manager

Professional Services Design Solutions

Structural Engineer

GFDS Engineers

Landscape

DHM Design

Civil Engineer

Sopris Engineering

Mechanical and Plumbing

Axiom Engineers

Electrical

Summit Engineering

Lighting Design

Tucci Lighting

Project Team