Project: 5K Ranch
Architecture: Richard Beard Architects
Architects: Richard Beard, Matt Evans
Landscape Architect: Design Workshop
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States
Area: 6250 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Kevin Scott
Designed by Richard Beard Architects, the 5K Ranch is an inviting home on a ranch outside of Steamboat Springs. Set amidst vast countryside and endless sky, this home showcases a thoughtful mix of built and natural environments. Made for a large family, the sturdy and clean-lined form suits the client’s active lifestyle and the region’s rugged climate.
Thoughtful Design and Layout
The single-story “H” shape of the house, low-slung and partially hunkered into the earth, creates small, sheltered courtyards. These courtyards form a buffer against wind, sun, and snow. Shallow rooflines in varied heights allow for optimal light in almost every room. Picture windows, shaded by wide porches and eaves, frame views of the 700-acre site and its wildlife.
Environmental and Sustainable Design
The client’s wish for self-sufficiency led to an ambitious plan for sustainable design. A locally made sun-tracking solar array powers the home’s utilities, including the well. Water capture features make use of summer thunderstorms. The well-insulated, bermed design helps with passive cooling and heat retention in winter.
Refined Rustic Aesthetic
The natural materials used outside continue into the home’s spacious, open-plan interiors. White oak flooring and vaulted ceilings lined in clear cedar create a refined rustic look. Outside, native landscaping by the region’s top snow-country expert enhances the home’s integration with its site.
Integration with Nature
The design of the 5K Ranch seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, promoting harmony between the home and nature. Careful material choices and thoughtful design elements ensure the home is both functional and pleasing. It provides a perfect retreat for the family.
Richard Beard Architects have created a residence that stands as a testament to the integration of sustainable design, thoughtful architecture, and respect for the natural environment. The 5K Ranch is not just a home; it is a blend of modern living and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
