Colorado architecture firm Studio B took cues from Denver’s old bungalow homes to create this low-lying residence faced with handmade brick, walnut panelling and large panes of glass.
The Brick City House is located on a corner lot dotted with oak, willow and maple trees. It is situated within the city’s Sunnyside neighbourhood, an older district dominated by brick bungalows with large porches. The architects set out to create an “interpretative piece of architecture” that respects the local context, in contrast to other new developments in the area.
“In opposition to many of the newer, large-scale and overly complex projects with generic building materials typically being constructed in the neighbourhood recently, this project is smaller and lower profile,” said Studio B Architecture + Interiors, which has offices in the Colorado towns of Aspen and Boulder.
The team conceived a low-lying box faced with dark bricks supplied by a company in Italy. The masonry helps strengthen the home’s connection to its historic neighbours.
“This project draws its material palette from the surrounding, smaller-scale brick bungalows and implements handmade brick – a low-maintenance, high-quality and durable material of striking natural beauty,” the team said.
The brick was paired with warm-hued walnut panelling and large expanses of glass, which lighten up the facades. The entrance elevation was slightly cut away, resulting in a recessed front door and a terrace that engages the home with its surroundings. The concrete foundation was left exposed in order to ground the building to the site.
Rather than a traditional backyard, the team created an interior courtyard, which was formed by extracting the centre of the rectangular volume. The outdoor space contains a slender pool, an in-ground fireplace, and a lounge area. Retractable glass walls line the courtyard and provide a seamless connection between inside and out.
“The house turns inward toward the courtyard and pool, with a connection to nature by focusing upward on the sky,” the team said. “This concept is inspired by modern artists’ exploration into the connection of the sky, earth and proportion.”
Encompassing 4,600 square feet (427 square metres), the home has a master suite and guest bedroom on its ground level, along with an open-plan living, dining and cooking area. A basement contains an additional bedroom, a media room, an office, and a wine cellar. The interiors are defined by a neutral colour palette and streamlined decor.
Studio B’s other projects in its home state the western US state include an elevated Aspen home wrapped in zinc and glass, and a school in rural Colorado featuring earthy materials and soft natural light.
Photograpy is by Raul Garcia, Astula.
Project credits:
Architect: Studio B Architecture + Interiors
Lead architect: Mike Piche
Millwork designer and fabricator: Kevin Vesel
Landscape architect: Elevate by Design
Handmade brick: San Anselmo
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