Project: Sleeping Giant Mountain Retreat
Architecture: Vertical Arts Architecture
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States
Area: 4500 ft2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Vertical Arts Architecture
Sleeping Giant Mountain Retreat in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offers a modern sanctuary immersed in 35 private alpine acres. Designed by Vertical Arts Architecture, the 4,500-square-foot residence celebrates the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountain range while delivering a refined and contemporary living experience. Expansive windows frame uninterrupted views of the Sleeping Giant, while natural textures and organic materials root the home in its alpine context.
A Choreographed Spatial Experience
The retreat unfolds as a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces. At the heart of the home, a dramatic double-sided fireplace serves as both anchor and visual beacon, visible from multiple vantage points. Oversized windows direct the gaze outward, turning the mountain vistas into ever-present artwork. The floating staircase, flanked by a soaring 20-foot window, guides visitors upward to a cozy sitting room and two private suites that offer an intimate atmosphere for guests. Every detail of the plan ensures fluid movement, with sightlines designed to showcase the alpine landscape at every turn.
Harmonizing Modern and Natural
To balance clean, contemporary lines, the design team introduced a palette of tactile, natural materials. Rough-hewn stone veneer, patina metal accents, and character-grade wood ceilings and floors provide warmth and authenticity. The kitchen elevates craftsmanship with a custom walnut-topped island and a plaster hood surround, while thoughtful pops of color—such as a turquoise headboard wall and a deep blue dining room accent—add vibrancy without disturbing the home’s serene mountain mood.
A Modern Mountain Escape
Ultimately, Sleeping Giant Mountain Retreat embodies harmony between architecture and environment. Its integration of contemporary design with natural materials creates a residence that is as sophisticated as it is grounded in its alpine setting. More than a home, it is a retreat that frames the grandeur of Colorado’s mountains while offering a warm refuge for family and guests alike.
