516 Water Street

516 Water St., in Redcliff, Colorado, will serve as the primary residence for a young professional. At only 2000 s.f., the underlying idea was to create an efficient exterior shell which will allow for a flexible interior space, enabling the house to transform as the client’s needs change. Windows are being used to make the house live larger by maximizing sun and views on this narrow lot, while their specific locations provide privacy from neighboring houses. The plan carefully adapts to the existing features on the site – utility pole and overhead lines, rock outcroppings, and trees – so as to limit disturbance and create unique interior/exterior spaces. The naturally insulating sod-roof will eliminate the concern of sliding snow, alleviate storm water runoff, and serve as an additional vantage point to enjoy the natural surroundings on a site where space is limited. This design truly challenges what is traditionally believed to be “mountain architecture”.