Blur

Boulder, Colorado / Residential

Collaborators

Anthem Structural Engineering

Buildwell

JB Fieldworks

James Florio

Awards + Recognition

2023 The Chicago Athenaeum | American Architecture Awards - Honorable Mention

2021 Residential Design Awards: Honor Award

2020 Luxe Red Awards: Contemporary/Modern Architecture Regional Winner

2019 AIA Colorado: Award of Excellence

Publications

Enki Magazine

Dwell

Dezeen

Residential Design

Blur, by day, is a silhouette, a dark floating bar, a metallic cloak wrapped around a bright, light-filled home. By night, Blur is a series of warm golden bands projected onto the hillside. The homeowners are two art consultants who experience the house’s juxtaposing nature when crossing the threshold between interior and exterior. A transition from light to dark, contained to optically expansive, and rugged to refined. 

The facade is sheathed in a glossy metal to reflect the landscape while staying durable and fire resistant, countering the harsh mountain environment. While the interior, contrarily, remains soft and inviting with an uncomplicated palette of white. Simple interior finishes draw attention to the vast swathes of operable glass, creating a physical and visual connection to the Boulder mountain landscape. 

The integrity of the plan and detailing reflect the Modernist ideas of minimalism and functionality. Additionally, the nearly symmetrical upper floor plan accommodates the couple and their two children while providing the flexibility to house art and host intimate gatherings. The contrasting language of the home is evident from the moment it is seen at the base of the long drive, to the second one’s feet touch the white oak floors.