Client Brief:
The clients, passionate about the outdoors, biking, and fine dining, wanted a home that would enhance their active lifestyle while offering a comfortable and functional space for everyday living. They needed a design that would provide ample storage for biking gear, a dedicated wine room, and outdoor cooking spaces for hosting gatherings, all while connecting deeply with the surrounding natural landscape.
Location:
Situated in the scenic landscape of Durango, Colorado, the home needed to blend seamlessly with the sloping terrain and take advantage of the mountain views. The design had to respond to the challenges of the local climate, including heavy snow, while creating a strong sense of place that reflects the clients’ love for the outdoors.
Design Solution:
The design of "Lean-Three" was inspired by the simplicity of lean-to structures, manifesting in three main volumes that cater to the clients’ needs. The house is organized into the garage and bike workshop, the great room, and the bedrooms, connected by smaller volumes that contain the entry, mudroom, and a spacious wine room. This layout provides functionality and flow, with each space serving a specific purpose for the clients' lifestyle. The garage and bike workshop offer ample storage for biking gear and equipment, while the private back patio is designed for culinary enthusiasts, featuring a pizza oven, smoker, and a covered dining area with an outdoor fireplace. The house gently ascends with the natural terrain, with sloping shed roofs that tilt upward to capture the mountain views from the great room and primary bedroom while also directing snowmelt and rain runoff toward a pond below. The exterior materials include warm tongue and groove siding, metal accents, and a stacked stone skirt that firmly grounds the house, providing a modern interpretation of a rustic aesthetic. These materials were chosen to complement the natural surroundings while maintaining durability for the Colorado climate.
Result:
"Lean-Three" balances the clients’ active, outdoor lifestyle with the comforts of home. The design creates a strong connection to the landscape through thoughtful rooflines, outdoor living spaces, and the use of natural materials. Each element, from the bike workshop to the outdoor kitchen, enhances the clients’ daily life, making the home both functional and inviting.
