Riverside House

Set along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, Riverside House demonstrates how architectural constraints can become opportunities for innovation.

The project began with a collection of disconnected existing structures occupying a narrow site between a steep embankment and the river’s edge. Strict Pitkin County setback regulations prohibited demolition of the original residence, as rebuilding would have required moving farther from the river and sacrificing one of the property’s most valuable qualities: its immediate connection to the water.

Rather than viewing the existing conditions as a limitation, Studio B embraced them as the foundation for the design. Drawing from the scale, massing, and character of the original structures, a series of carefully integrated additions and new architectural elements transformed the fragmented property into a cohesive modern residence. The result blurs the distinction between existing and new construction while preserving the site’s unique relationship to the river.

Reclaimed wood siding reflects the texture and color of the surrounding forest and references the original residence, allowing the home to blend naturally into its setting. Inside, a restrained palette of white surfaces and maple wood enhances natural light, creating bright, welcoming interiors that contrast with the darker, textured exterior.

Completed in 2013, Riverside House illustrates the value of adaptive reuse and thoughtful site-responsive design. By working within the realities of the site rather than against them, the project transformed a challenging collection of structures into a unified riverfront home deeply connected to its landscape.