A 2,000-Square-Foot Home That Sleeps 10

HOUSE NOTES:

For a hardworking Denver couple, the goal was complete escape from city to backcountry with low maintenance and high pleasure for all. Their three structural wishes: a 2,000-square-foot home, energy efficiency, and the ability to sleep 10 comfortably.

Architect Katrina Eckelhoff heeded the call with exterior walls and a roof constructed from SIPs (prefab structural insulated panels) to create a high thermal barrier; a south wall of glass for passive solar gain; and large overhangs, sun shades, and a wall extension shade to keep things cool in summer (no AC necessary).

Four-inch concrete floors and a masonry fireplace act as a solar thermal mass for the home in winter. A series of sliding panels and walls convert the open two-bedroom home into five separate sleeping spaces. "We think of it as our cement tent," says the homeowner.

The side of the house teases a view of Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive, and the Collegiate Peaks of the Sawatch Range. Everything is designed to look out on nature and take in Colorado's great light. 

Above the fireplace is “Bucky,” the house mascot, which came in a Cardboard Safari kit and was assembled as a family art project. The study, back right, has a sliding door for privacy, and the shelving is part of a cool revolving Murphy bed. The multipurpose Goliath table, at right, from Resource Furniture can expand from a 17-inch console to a full dining table that seats 10.

The kids have a downstairs  bedroom but tend to sleep/hang out in the loft's “Sky Box.” “Katrina's brilliant idea,” says the homeowner. The space juts out from the rest of the exterior so when you sit on the bed it feels a bit like you’re floating. The  George Nelson Bubble lamps by Modernica are indicative of the couple’s tasteful simplicity.

The “Sky Box” has both trundle and shelving. This top level loft also offers plenty of room for play or sleepover guests as well as a full bath.

Most of the sleeping space is on the lower level, which includes the master at back, a futon in the family room, and a smaller bedroom with two bunk beds (see floor plan below). The first-level bathroom has a tub that can be closed off, for privacy.

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECTURE Katrina Eckelhoff, StudioHOFF Architecture, katrina@studiohoff.com  CONTRACTOR Lon Kersting, LM Kersting Construction Company