Above the Clouds

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Brandon Architects constructs a modern mountain marvel in the heart of Vail, Colorado.

Leather sectional with contrast stitching by Roche Bobois and a Lolah easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue sit in the living room. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.
A concrete fire pit by Hart Concrete Design is surrounded by lounge chairs designed by Kenneth Cobonpue. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

When designing this 10,000 square foot vacation compound in the mountains of Vail, Colorado, Chris Brandon of Brandon Architects had his client’s passion for skiing in mind. However, it was Brandon’s intuitive planning of three captivating levels, equipped with a gym, outdoor decks and hot tubs on eight acres that made the house very useful during the current global isolation. “The activities both indoors and out are abundant,” says Brandon. “They are currently adding a golf simulator in the gym as well.” 

A large live edge table by Tony Clark of Clark Functional create the dining area in the open kitchen. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.
Custom full-height lacquer cabinets in sapphire blue and the island with Krion matte-white counters are both by Porcelanosa make a statement in the kitchen. The barstools are by Calligaris. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

Already friends with the clients, Brandon knew how to create an enclave that combined their love for both modern design and the outdoors. “I have known the clients, Paige and Michael Hill, for many,” says Brandon. “I knew they wanted a space where they could host and entertain many, so creating multiple layers and spaces for guests, play, and relaxation was imperative,” notes the architect.   

Steel, wood and concrete create a sculptural moment in the open staircase.
Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

With their love of entertaining top of mind, an open floor plan and several seating areas were created for efficient flow and lounging. The wife Paige who runs the interior design firm Ultra-Mod, introduced eclectic moments throughout by installing dynamic art pieces. She commissioned a graffiti mural by street artists Yok & Sheryo on a retaining wall outside of the game room, located on the lower level.

The clients commissioned a mural by Yok & Sheryo outside of the game room.
Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

Brandon Architects mixed multiple materials including steel, glass and concrete to create a perfect modern fame to the surrounding landscape. These materials enabled the team and builders—Meadow Mountain Homes— to construct an impressive structure with significant architectural details. “The home is cantilevered into the mountains and has exposed structural columns, beams, and bracing,” says Brandon. “The challenges were focused primarily on working with the unique layout and openness of the home and ensuring that the interior was as captivating and suitable for the surrounding views, windows and structure.”

 In the master suite, a white leather Calligaris bed on a custom wooden platform provide the perfect place to take in the views. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.
The master bathroom features a triangular soaking tub by Aquatica and custom cabinetry by Porcelanosa. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

Vast views of the nearby mountains float inside almost every room due to the inclusion of expansive windows. “The master suite of the larger unit was established as one of the signature pieces of the home cantilevering 12′ from the main structure and creating a covered loggia adjacent to the great room below,” the architect notes. “The master bedroom reaches toward the hillside and immerses the owners into the seasons that define Colorado and the Rockies.”

The top-floor private retreat includes a master suite, which cantilevers out from the building, with glass walls on three sides that create a sense of expansiveness. A kitchenette, gym/golf simulator, roof deck, hot tub and fire pit on the same level gives the owners privacy even when the house is full of guests. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.
An exterior view. Photos by Jeremy Bitterman.

The finished result is a remarkable vacation experience where the clients could express their love of design while relaxing and entertaining year round. “Words cannot express how happy we are in this home,” notes Paige Hill. “I have heard that your location doesn’t matter, But I disagree, I love my husband so much more in this home.”