The Winners of the 2017 Crystal Awards

These Colorado designers have achieved excellence in commercial and residential design

2017 RESIDENTIAL MERIT WINNER:
Studio B Architecture + Interiors
Brick City Kitchen
Scott Lindenau, FAIA, Architect
Mike Piche, AIA, Principal in Charge
Kevin Vesel, Veselbrand Kitchens, Millwork, Designer and Fabricator
Susan Okie-Lindenau, Interior Design

Project Goals:
The project is located in an older Denver neighborhood consisting primarily of small scale, brick bungalows with large entry porches. By organizing the program around the interior courtyard space, the building creates a defined street edge on the corner lot. Yet in opposition to many of the newer large scale and overly complex projects with generic building materials typically being constructed in the neighborhood recently, this project is a smaller, lower profile and more interpretive piece of architecture that respects the contextual urban form of its neighbors. It has a simple and refined palette of high quality materials consisting of handmade brick, walnut, plaster, and glass. In its urban setting with no large dominant views to the exterior, the house turns inwards toward the interior courtyard & pool with a connection to nature by focusing upwards on the sky. This concept is inspired by modern artists’ exploration into the connection of the sky, earth, and proportion.

The kitchen material palate of book matched walnut cabinetry is repeated throughout the home in the form of wall paneling, with all veneers coming from the same log. Krion countertops with a knife-edge detail enhances the minimalist look. Matte white glass backsplash with integrated Veselbrand "powerport" receptacles match the upper glass cabinet faces. All appliances are integrated into the cabinetry with the exception of the black Miele oven and speed oven. 

2017 COMMERCIAL MERIT WINNER:
RB+B Architects, Inc.
Boulder Jewish Community Center

Project Goals:
The LEED Certified Boulder Jewish Community Center is a 53,000-square-foot facility welcoming to everyone. Grounded in the past, the design is a positive and contemporary reflection of all cultures (not just the Jewish culture) and uses universal qualities of architecture and design that are evident throughout history. It embodies a timeless quality with the use of local natural materials, interior and exterior gathering spaces and abundant natural light. The entry courtyard, with its signature massive stone wall, brings together visitors and is a protected space used for gatherings and events.  The daycare and early childhood center encompass one half of the building, while the other half houses a community hall with glorious views of the Flatirons, a fitness center, Jewish library and classrooms that serve a varied audience from babies to seniors. The facility, which was in the planning stages for a decade, opened summer 2016.

BurkettEUA
WilmerHale
Katie Rockwell, Project Manager, Senior Designer
Gillian Hallock Johnson, Principal, Lead Designer

Project Goals:
WilmerHale wanted to open a Denver branch of their office with a powerful yet warm presence.  The goal for the design was to incorporate the architectural branding of their New York and Boston offices, but take into consideration the regional beauty of Colorado.  The new partners of the Colorado office wanted the office space delivered with an expansive outward-looking view to the mountains, and a new conference center centered around the reception area for maximum flexibility and efficiency.  Careful detailing and the modern use of natural materials such as beetle-kill pine, glass, and stone convey a natural warmth while architecturally emphasizing the firm’s expertise and individual personality.

Echo Architecture
Loyal Coffee
Courtney Wilson, Interior Designer 
Mast, Graphic Designer
Ryan Lloyd, Architect
Westside Designworks, Millwork
Gordon Construction, General Contractor

Project Goals:

Loyal Coffee, a barista owned and operated specialty coffee shop, is dedicated to creating a full five sense experience for guests through a beautiful space to work, relax, and connect with others.  A crafted palette of materials ties together history, brand identity, and local craft & artistry. Way-finding and place-making is defined by the classic black and white oversized hexagonal tile that first welcomes you to the space, with a nod to Colorado Springs, CO, then guides you through.  Flexible gathering areas range from custom built community tables (maple tops, custom walnut benches, and textural brass chairs), to cozy booths and solo “cubbies” (ensconced in walnut under a canopy of vegetation), to walnut and concrete tiered seating (with pull out stump chair/tables) that spans from inside to out through a large, glazed overhead door.  Brass elements throughout will patina and wear over time, adding to the overall character.

Lynne Thom Architects
Clair Family Dentistry
Lynne Thom, AIA

Project Goals:
The coast of Nova Scotia meets modern dentistry! Dr. Preet Clair relocated to Denver from Nova Scotia, but missed the charming historic shore town of Peggy’s Cove where bright colored cottages dot the shore and can be seen by returning fisherman amidst the foggy conditions, gray skies, and gray waters. The unique features of this seaside harbor were captured to create a modern, yet warm and friendly, energy saving dental office. The water and the shore of the cove are represented by the wispy blue and gray carpet planks. The reception desk “boat” of repurposed weathered wood glides through the “harbor,” welcoming incoming patients to the cottages on the shore, such as the Kid’s Area, Consult Room, and treatment rooms beyond.  The gray skies are recalled by the steel pan ceiling, while energy saving daylight filters through a skylight, like sun’s rays through the clouds.

Davis Partnership Architects
The Colorado Health Foundation Headquarters
Brit Probst, Principal
Jennifer Henry, Interior Designer
David Daniel, Project Architect
Peter Carlson, Project Manager
Ben Kallechey, Architect
Lisa Bartlett, Lighting Designer
Jeff Stoecklein, Landscape Architect

Project Goals:
To create a building that is not only environmentally sustainable but also people friendly, and human-centered. To have this building serve as a model exemplifying health and wellness in the workplace.

The new building features “health-positive” design and development standards by focusing on the health and wellness of visitors and employees.  Currently, the project is on track to becoming Colorado’s first WELL Certified Building.

The central location near downtown Denver will also allow for greater interaction with grantees, the Foundation’s partners and the community. Every aspect of the project emphasizes the concept of “replicability,” letting the Foundation show other companies that they too can create a workplace that supports health and wellness for employees and visitors.

Trio Environments
Milesbrand
Angela Harris, Principal, Creative Director
Elizabeth Hester, Design Director

Project Goals:
To make the space feel more like an art gallery than an office space. Our goal was to showcase their successes. We wanted the space to feel flexible and promote “outside the box” thinking.  The designers were given the task to take a generic shell and to create a space that was on par with the creativity that was produced within the agency. This office renovation was inspired by raw, crazy creativity. The design team adopted an electric, flexible, and stimulated design direction by creating an “art gallery” style office space. The design team started with white walls and ceilings as a backdrop to what would be become the highly-stimulated art pieces.  This allowed for the co-existence of multiple colors, textures, and styles within one space. It also allowed the client flexibility to add original art pieces has he expanded his collection and to showcase his own creative work.

Oz Architecture
IMM
Kelly Davis, AIA, LEED AP
Amanda Johnson, Associate AIA, LEED AP
Cally Dalton, Allied ASID, LEED Green Associate

Project Goals:
IMM is a digital advertising agency that relocated from downtown Boulder to 30,000-square-feet of office space in Flatiron Park. The goal of the space was to create a unique office environment that would excite their employees since they were being moved from their outgrown downtown location. The final location, an existing unoccupied warehouse, provided a contextual challenge but an important opportunity to create a distinct identity for the client as well as bring revitalization to the eastern Boulder community.

Studio R
Union West: Media Room
Renee Augustine, Principal
Tara Overbye, Senior Designer
Jenny Ackemann, Interior Designer

Project Goals:
The Union West Apartment complex is located in Lakewood, Colorado and is host to 267 units. It offers brand new amenity spaces that cater to each tenant’s wants and needs. This particular space (called the Media Room), is a dedicated quiet space for tenant’s to work and host small meetings.

Elsy Studios
Shared Service Center​
Sarah Zales, AIA, Associate
Juliana Rini, Project Manager, Interior Designer
Lynn Coit, Principal

Project Goals:
When we set out to design an office space, we think top to bottom and everything in between. This growing shared service center requested our design for their new office to evoke a feeling of Four Seasons hospitality.  Upon entering, the whimsical floral ceiling design draws the attention upward and provides a pleasing complement to the sleek custom origami desk below.  The organic ceiling plane contrasts with the angular floor plan in the ‘concierge’ suite for a dynamic experience.  The inspiration for the custom millwork element is a subtle nod to the owner’s love of flowers.  What started from a napkin sketch on an airplane grew into a well-thought-out floral pattern that extends across the concierge suite and surprises and delights guests.

Trio Environments
Lakehouse Sales Center
Angela Harris, Principal, Creative Director
Christie ZumBrunnen, Design Director
Kelsey McNatt, Design Associate

Project Goals:
By leveraging the beauty of its natural environment and lakehouse views, the design team used natural materials such as wood, leather, and wool to set the tone of a comfortable, contemporary environment. Then, with a careful collaboration between marketing and merchandising firms, a small 1000-square-foot environment was quickly transformed into a well-intentioned education center with optimal lake views, floor to ceiling graphics, informational iPad stations, a demonstration kitchen, and private sales and closing spaces. Careful consideration was applied to every detail, including exterior materials/furniture, circulation, privatized office space for buyers to have comfortable financial conversations, featured unit finishes, and educational graphics through both iPad and printed materials.

Kimberly Timmons Interiors
Have at the Pines, Outdoor Patio
Kimberly Timmons-Beutner, Principal
Kelly Flynn, Project Manager
Elizabeth Berry, Designer

Project Goals:
Nestled in the center of large spans of forested land, this outdoor living space is designed to provide ultimate luxury with all the amenities of a 5-star resort to support its family’s lifestyle. Multiple covered patios, an infinity pool, pool house and cabana all directly focus on the amazing views of the wooded setting and Colorado mountains beyond. A calming monochromatic palette utilizing woods, stones and metals combined with an earthen color scheme highlighting pops of deep red accents intends to blend this outdoor living space with the beauty beyond its decks. An open air pool house features retractable doors on three sides, adding more expanse to the outdoor space with its function focusing on gaming and entertainment. On the opposite side of the pool, the cabana features a grand stone fireplace and an intimate seating area, also housing the pool changing and bathrooms. The large curved outdoor bar contains all the amenities with not only substantial cooking appliances, but also a large LED TV and outdoor speakers.

Studio B Architecture + Interiors
ZincHouse
Susan Okie-Lindenau, Interior Designer
Scott Lindenau, FAIA, Principal-In-Charge
Kevin Heath, AIA, Architect, Project Manager

Project Goals:
A constrained property, a complex history and a one-story requirement defined this 2500 square foot residence draped in a zinc cloak perched on a board-formed plinth. The steep angular site is bound on three sides with immediate neighbors and positioned on a busy street resulting in an elevated solution for privacy and view. Sectional differences and an open plan capture natural light throughout with a hidden rear terrace embraced by the architecture. Walking distance to downtown, this residence sits quietly in its transitional neighborhood enjoying ample sunshine and great views of Aspen Mountain. The interiors reflect the clients’ desire for abundant natural light utilizing floor to ceiling windows + doors, light textured porcelain floors, level 5 drywall, wire-brushed cypress interior doors and ceilings adding warmth. The art and objects reflect the clients love of travel with overtones of grays and charcoals in the fabrics, furniture and accessories complementing with the exterior material palette.

Rowland + Broughton
Game On
Sarah Broughton, AIA
Dana Ellis, Associate AIA, LEED AP
John Rowland, AIA
Amanda Christianson, LEED AP
Jayna Kline, IIDA, NCIDQ, ASID
Liz Whyte, Associate AIA, LEED GA

Project Goals:
The neighboring historic Victorian home was picked up and placed on a new foundation, creating a vacant lot for “Game On.” Inspired by the residential vernacular of Aspen’s historic West End neighborhood, this home brings a sense of clarity and elegance to a traditionally ornate Victorian form. With the clients’ personal and professional lifestyle in mind, the design accommodates a large number of guests for entertaining yet provides a sense of intimacy for private relaxation. The open plan connects the indoor and outdoor spaces with seamless lift and slide pocket doors. Interiors feature custom built-in and floating furnishings and custom fixtures.

Trio Environments
Highlands 32
Angela Harris, Principal, Creative Director
Elizabeth Hester, Design Director
Jessica Burton, Design Associate

Project Goals:
Instead of taking a design position based on the firm’s ego, the design team quickly adopted a more holistic design approach by integrating the neighborhood in design charrettes and programming of the project up front.

This resulted in a boutique-hospitality,” Kate-Spade” inspired environment where the design team could capitalize on the small square footage of most of the spaces and counter-balance them with the limitations on budget.  The success of the design was quickly identified in the details.  Intimate, privatized spaces were created within more public environments.  Spaces were highlighted through distinctive floor patterns and dimensional iron walls.  A highly contrasting black and white color foundation allotted for bold gold accents and playful textures. This was a labor of love.

Pure in form and with streamlined articulation, the home is modern and efficient with no unused space. A simple gable roof, patterned siding and traditional front porch are an ode to Aspen’s Victorian past. A small bridge over a stream in the front entry path accents the minimal landscaping.

Architectural Workshop
Cornell Residence
Mark Bowers, AIA
Katharina Jenista

Project Goals:
Seeking to enrich lives and the living experience by placing daily, family interaction at the center of design decision-making and envisioning a next-generation home that is classically stylish in disposition and forward-thinking in environmental embrace. The ideal property was acquired in a mid-century modern neighborhood, consisting of 124 similarly-designed homes themselves originally conceived as contemporary, affordable, family-centric housing.  The design begins with the intention of creating a heart of the home, an epicenter from which all activity and interaction spirals outward into the yard and flows to other smaller, private spaces. Today, front-to-back sightlines across the core of the home impart a sense of connectivity from the first step through the door. Focusing on design details and careful selection of finishes and incorporating sustainable features result in a truly sustainable home that holds continual interaction as a core value of healthy family living.

Ashley Campbell Interior Design
Indigenous Cherry Hills Update
Ashley Campbell

Project Goals:
An original client from our firm’s inception, we were entrusted with aiding in the home selection process, determining the necessary aesthetic upgrades, and providing a comprehensive home furnishings package.  Colorful textiles and palpable textures pay homage to our globally-inspired clients in a subtly-opulent transformation that introduces worldly charm, and layers of interest, while maintaining a family-friendly realism.

Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio
Warm Industrial Kitchen Remodel

Carlos Alvarez, Lauren Perry, and Katy Teel of Alvarez Morris and Kristi Dinner of Company KD: Architect, Interior Designer
Emily Minton Redfield, Photographer

Project Goals:
Designed with purpose to reflect the homeowners’ desire for an inviting and sophisticated modern home.  Free of clutter and full of light.

A wall of stainless steel appliances offers a sleek, functional space that contrasts harmoniously with the organic white oak cabinetry.  14-foot-bifolding doors offer an inviting option to cook and dine in open air and clerestory windows provide natural light throughout the day.

Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio
Warm Industrial Master Bath
Carlos Alvarez, Lauren Perry, and Katy Teel of Alvarez Morris and Kristi Dinner of Company KD: Architect, Interior Designer
Town and Country, Builder
Emily Minton Redfield, Photographer

Project Goals:
Designed around the custom steel shower wall, we intended the space to feel earthy and organic. Steel and black accents were introduced for added drama.  We capitalized on the high ceilings and clerestory windows to ensure plenty of natural light.  Natural stone tile, white oak cabinets, and beautiful marble countertops kept the space warm and welcoming.

Alvarez Morris Architectural Studio
Mediterranean Escape
Carlos Alvarez, Architect
Conor Robinson Architect
Carolyn Morris and Tina Stoecklein, Interior Designer
Character Builders Colorado, Builder
Emily Minton Redfield, Photographer

Project Goals:
Designed to be in stark contrast to its surroundings, this pool house transports the users from the city to the Mediterranean without ever leaving their home.

White plaster walls, clean painted white floors, and a reclaimed wood ceiling keep the room feeling light and airy. Soft arched openings, spiral stair case, linen sofa and additional wood accents help reinforce the casual and relaxed feel.

A 12-foot bi-folding door allows the indoor living to blend and connect with the outdoors, creating natural light and a great escape in the heart of the city.SaveSaveSaveSave

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