Set in the mountains of Snowmass, Colorado, Wood You is a 1995 log cabin reimagined into a contemporary family retreat.

Rowland+Broughton approached the remodel as an exercise in preservation, honoring the cabin’s natural logs and timber detailing while introducing modern functionality suited to multigenerational living. Tucked into an Aspen forest with mountain views on all sides, the home embraces its high alpine setting at every turn. 

The most consequential early decision was how to treat the logs themselves. After meticulous stripping, sanding, and multiple mockups, a custom bleached finish was applied to the interior logs, preserving the natural depth of the grain while creating a lighter, more neutral backdrop. On the exterior, a dark grey stain was selected for contrast, paired with new custom perforated metal guardrails that replaced the original heavy railings and introduced a quieter, more contemporary silhouette. 

Inside, the main living area was reorganized around an expanded kitchen that opens to the dining and lounge spaces, creating a layout suited to family gatherings at any scale. The stairway was repositioned to align with the main entry, establishing a clearer sense of arrival and flow. New wood flooring throughout matches the tone of the logs, while blackened steel elements carried consistently across the perforated stair rails, interior doors, cooking hood, center island, lighting, and hardware modernize the interior without disrupting its material warmth. Custom millwork was selected for its inherent wood graining, with paint colors chosen to add layering and subtle variety. Finely detailed linen window treatments offset the robustness of the logs, and a bespoke dining table with a 3-Form top and expandable leaves reflects the home’s attention to its wooded environment. 

In the primary suite, a custom bed with an integrated pop-up television and headboard exemplifies the cabin’s balance of innovation and comfort. The lower floor was fully reimagined to accommodate extended family and guests, with a bunk and media room featuring hidden Murphy trundle beds, two private guest suites, an exercise room, a ski room, and a dedicated laundry area that keeps the home manageable through active mountain living. 

Material selections were guided by both aesthetic and environmental intent. FSC-certified wood, zero to low VOC finishes, and natural renewable materials support a healthy indoor environment throughout. Gas appliances were replaced with high-efficiency electric alternatives, and the decision to renovate rather than rebuild reflects Rowland+Broughton’s broader view of preservation as both an ecological and architectural commitment. 

Outside, a new stone terrace anchors the outdoor living area, with a hot tub and firepit positioned to capture the Snowmass mountain views. Native plantings frame the perimeter, softening the transition between the built and natural environments while adding privacy and seasonal texture. 

The result is a home that demonstrates that modernizing does not mean replacing. The heritage of the original cabin remains legible throughout, while every intervention moves the space toward something more functional, more refined, and more fully suited to the family that now calls it home. 

R+B approached this downtown Aspen penthouse renovation as an exercise in uncovering the home beneath the heavy alder millwork and dark finishes typical of early-2000s mountain interiors. Designed for a pair of art collectors and avid skiers, the penthouse was reimagined as a bright, layered retreat — bold and eclectic, yet grounded by a clean architectural framework that allows the owners’ collection and lifestyle to take center stage.

The transformation began with a complete material reset. Dark flooring was replaced with light European white oak by Arrigoni, while existing millwork was refinished in rift-cut white oak with a custom stain, shifting the atmosphere from enclosed to open and contemporary. Strategic architectural interventions improved flow and functionality throughout: the mudroom was reconfigured to incorporate the powder room, and an underutilized indent near the kitchen was squared off to create a new sitting area lined with custom bookshelves.

In the living and dining spaces, the design balances warmth, restraint, and personality. Custom sofas, restored French club chairs, sculptural furnishings, and layered textiles create an environment that feels collected rather than decorated. A new fireplace wall with flanking shelving, integrated television, and marble hearth anchors the living room, adding architectural presence and warmth without competing with the art. Custom bath sconces designed specifically for the project extend the same level of detail into quieter moments throughout the home.

The kitchen continues the lighter palette with refinished white oak cabinetry, white-painted uppers, and handmade tile by Made a Mano that introduces texture and subtle color. Throughout the penthouse, simplified detailing, new lighting, and a restrained material palette create a cohesive environment rather than a series of renovated rooms.

The primary suite and guest rooms follow the same philosophy: light oak floors, soft white walls, and custom furnishings layered with color and pattern. The primary suite was reconfigured to accommodate a new closet, while the bath was fully reimagined within the refreshed palette. One of the home’s most playful moments appears here as well, with Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper introducing an unexpected note of warmth and character.

Throughout, the architecture intentionally steps back, creating a calm, luminous backdrop for the owners’ art collection and life in the mountains. The result is a home that feels both elevated and effortless — equally suited to entertaining, quiet retreat, or returning to after a day on the slopes.

Villa Verde began in the 1960s as a modest Mid-Century residence in Palm Springs’ Deepwell Estates neighborhood. While the architecture was understated, its real assets were already in place: mature gardens, generous outdoor rooms, mountain views, and a seamless relationship between house, climate, and landscape. Rather than overwrite these qualities, the design amplifies them—honoring Palm Springs’ design legacy while moving beyond nostalgia.

The project is primarily an interior transformation, shaped through atmosphere, materiality, furnishings, and use. Guided by the surrounding gardens and layered outdoor rooms, the interiors extend the landscape inward—colorful, relaxed, and attuned to the rituals of desert living.

The curation brings together contemporary Milanese furniture, textiles developed with female artisans in Mexico, Japanese ceramics, handcrafted objects, auction finds, and works from the owners’ Aspen collection. Each piece carries its own origin, yet together they form a cohesive, lived-in composition.

Villa Verde flourishes through the relationship of indoor and outdoor realms. Seamless decking connects rooms, terraces, poolside areas, and gathering spaces into a fluid sequence of experiences, while retractable awnings extend comfort and shade throughout the day. Handcrafted concrete benches embedded with Italian tile frame the entry, Jacopo Foggini A’Mare chairs animate the morning sitting area, and the south-facing dining and living deck becomes the natural center of evening life as the desert cools and the mountains gather the last light. The result is a sophisticated home designed for ease, movement, conversation, retreat, and daily pleasure.

At Villa Verde, indoor and outdoor life is continuous. Seamless decking links rooms, terraces, pool, and gathering areas into a fluid sequence, while retractable awnings extend shade and comfort throughout the day. Handcrafted concrete benches inset with Italian tile mark the entry, Jacopo Foggini A’Mare chairs define the morning sitting area, and the south-facing deck becomes the center of evening life as the desert cools and the mountains hold the last light. The result is a home designed for ease, movement, conversation, and daily ritual.

Named for the many shades of green embedded in its décor and for its deep connection to the lush life of the garden, Villa Verde acknowledges the chrysalis of history while proposing a more individual and contemporary expression of desert modernism. Rooted in Palm Springs but not confined by its visual orthodoxies, the home becomes a colorful, international, and highly personal oasis on the other side of tradition.

Almost as difficult as reinventing the wheel – architecturally speaking – is transforming a typology: taking a building style so familiar as to be embedded in the collective memory, and doing it differently. And not for novelty’s sake, but rather to reinterpret a beloved historic genre through the considerations of contemporary family life, changing aesthetic tastes, and sustainable building practice.

Such were the challenges faced by R+B in the design of Woodlands, a residence nestled in a magnificent valley, beside a pristine lake reflecting sublime mountain views. The architectural model was the national park lodge, a typology associated with rustic grandeur, fast friendship, and the celebration of the American West. All of these traditions remained relevant to the house’s design. But both outside and within, we transformed the late 19th/early 20th century public model to suit the predilections of a modern family in a 21st-century private home.

The austere front façade hews closely to the ‘parkitecture’ ideal, with only a back-tilted ‘battered’ stone wall surrounding the front door – suggestive of a temple portal – to subvert expectations. In back, conversely, we took the post-and-beam motif typically associated with traditional lodge interiors and transformed it into an exoskeleton, in the form of a gracious, pergola-style covered porch running the full length of the back elevation, and continuing along the house’s eastern end.

On the interior – replacing a park lodge’s typical aesthetic and social cacophony – the cross-axial plan avoids visual noise and decorative kitsch: apart from the dramatic view from the front door, through the entry and double-height living room, to the lake, the layout is soothingly traditional, with discrete rooms unfolding in a relaxed rhythm; the interior architecture, executed in robust natural materials, offers the clarity and simplicity associated with modern design and contemporary living.

The project incorporates such advanced strategies as maximizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency, via geothermal and solar components, while addressing resiliency and well-being. Filtered outdoor air circulates throughout the interior, finished with natural, non-toxic materials; construction decisions favored lower carbon materials and structural systems, prioritizing wood over steel, and natural insulation over foam. The outcome is a house that not only supports the aesthetic and domestic aspirations of its residents, but stands as a paradigm for near net-zero sustainable design.

Set within fifty acres of sage-covered meadow, with expansive views toward Colorado’s Elk Moutnains, Lap House replaces an outmoded 1980s residence whose nine level changes no longer supported the rhythms of contemporary family life. The project presented a challenge central to R+B’s residential practice: how to create a home of significant scale that feels both deeply grounded in its landscape and intimately attuned to the values, rituals, and aspirations of the people who inhabit it.

The resulting residence is at once substantial and serene. It holds its place within the vastness of the meadow yet continually yields to the surrounding mountain landscape through carefully framed views, broad expanses of glass, and a quiet material palette. Clad in Danish brick whose handmade irregularity lends warmth and depth, the exterior recalls both the rugged character of the land and the simplicity of rural building traditions. Laid in overlapping horizontal courses reminiscent of wood shiplap, the masonry gives the home a grounded, tactile presence, while allowing its form to feel calm, composed, and enduring.

Inside, the architecture becomes increasingly personal. Walls wrapped in natural white oak create an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility, establishing a soft counterpoint to the home’s monumental setting. Throughout, architecture, interiors, landscape, art, and craft are drawn together into a single, holistic vision. A chandelier inspired by elements discovered by R+B in a Milanese chapel, a custom hand-loomed Japanese wall tapestry, and anodized Italian tile surrounding the fireplaces reflect a pan-cultural sensibility shaped not by ornament, but by meaning, memory, and material resonance.

For the family, the home needed to honor a love of music, art, natural beauty, and fine craft while remaining rooted in modesty, faith, and genuineness. That spirit is most powerfully expressed in the home’s signature: a Venetian-made stained-glass guardrail spanning the full length of the double-height living room mezzanine. With a pattern derived from a loved musical score, the piece is both technically ambitious and quietly devotional, an act of craft that transforms a functional element into a deeply personal expression of belief and belonging.

In the tradition of the bottega, R+B’s work on this project extended far beyond architecture alone. The firm designed the architecture, interiors, landscape, and nearly every detail of the home, from furnishings and fixtures to table settings and glassware. An extensive art program installed works from over 40 international artists and reveals a cohesive and collected sensibility in every corner of the home. The result is not a house assembled from parts, but a total environment in which every scale of design contributes to a coherent experience of place.

The first objective was to create a modern indoor/outdoor space which pays homage to the natural landscape. Westcliffe is situated on 35-acres with breathtaking views in all directions. The goal for the remodel was to keep the original foundation intact, yet redirect the living spaces to focus on the views, thus blurring the lines between the interior and exterior world. The second objective was to create a modern home for an active, modern family. As a family of six with staff and numerous house guests, the client required a functional home built with practical, livable materials.

The home’s program was flipped 180 degrees to re-focus on the views. The entry and garage were relocated, opening the rear of the house to the untouched wilderness of the Lenado Valley. Custom sliding glass wall panels open onto comfortable patios eliminating the boundaries between outside and in. Exterior reflecting pools extend the viewfrom the foreground to the distant peaks providing tranquility to an otherwise busy lifestyle. The simple and rational floor plan meets the needs of an active family by flanking the upper level of the house with a private master suite and a family wing which are connected by several large communal gathering spaces. The program also includes his and her private offices, a media/rec room, and guest suites.

Materials such as porcelain tile, stainless steel cabinetry, and integral-color concrete countertops allow the family to live, work, and play without restraint. The interior décor echoes the simplicity of the architecture, while evoking a sophisticated comfort accented with antiques of indigenous cultures. The color palette is neutral and consistent, and the furnishings are without frills or unnecessary decoration. The design and landscape provide a canvas backdrop for this vibrant family to fill with their personal experiences.

Westcliffe is set on a bucolic, 35-acre site with epic views of Aspen’s ski mountains and the lush Lenado Valley to the north. The original project, completed by R+B in 2010, included a phased design approach that planned for flexibility to accommodate the family’s growing needs. The first phase transformed a traditional, non-site specific 9,700 SF home into a 14,500 SF modern resort inspired residence. The home’s program was flipped 180 degrees to re-focus on the views that surround the house on all sides.

For further enjoyment of the property, the second phase encompasses a stone path that meanders along the cliff from the existing house to an expansive patio with a pool and spa positioned to capture valley views through carefully planted trees. At the end of the patio, a new 500 SF pavilion features a flat roof and glass walls that blur the boundaries between inside and out, and which complement the orientation and program of the original home. Windows within the pavilion reveal the Elk Mountain Range beyond. Custom designed furnishings in neutral tones further enhance the modern design.

A Legacy Redefined: Modernizing a Home to Embrace Views, Light, and Sustainability

Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, this remodel transforms a legacy home perched above a dramatic river valley with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The design reimagines the property while respecting its historical roots, maintaining its existing structure and zoning non-conformities, and artfully balancing a seamless blend of modernity and timeless charm. The steep slopes and natural landscape are preserved, ensuring the design harmonizes with the environment while offering a private and serene retreat for its residents.

Design Goals and Objectives

The primary objective was to preserve the home’s breathtaking views and its unique interplay between public and private spaces while improving circulation, natural light, and functionality. By introducing a lighter, refined material palette, the interiors are brightened and imbued with a modern yet enduring aesthetic. Iterative design methods, including advanced rendering and VR tools, guided the evolution of the project, allowing the design team to distill the concept into a cohesive expression of form and function. Trust from the client, paired with the design team’s vision, led to the creation of a space that is both sophisticated and inviting—a sanctuary for family living and entertaining.

Challenges and Solutions

Phased construction played a pivotal role in maintaining the project’s momentum and adhering to tight schedules. Dividing the scope into manageable change orders minimized review times, keeping the process efficient. The site’s constraints—including steep slopes and existing approvals—required careful planning. The design team crafted the exterior approach to avoid disrupting sensitive terrains and strategic landscaping enhanced the transition between public and private zones. Close collaboration between designers, contractors, and building officials streamlined the process and delivered a polished, innovative result.

Sustainability

Sustainability drives the heart of this remodel, aiming for near net-zero energy performance. A ground source heat pump system and a large solar array provide efficient heating and cooling while reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Zoned HVAC systems allow precise control, ensuring minimal energy waste. Extensive insulation upgrades and passive design strategies, such as maximizing daylight and natural ventilation, further enhance the home’s energy efficiency. Deconstruction techniques during demolition ensured significant material reuse and recycling, reducing environmental impact of this remodel and fostering a circular economy approach to construction.

A Celebration of Form and Function

At its core, this project is a celebration of architectural refinement. A distilled palette of modern wood, metal, and stone carries through the design, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior. Key features such as the reimagined staircases and enlarged entertaining spaces enhance the home’s fluidity and function, while technological advancements modernize lighting and control systems for effortless living. This remodel epitomizes the potential of thoughtful design: respecting the past while reimagining the future, creating a home that is as innovative as it is timeless.

This project is more than a remodel; it is a statement—a legacy preserved and elevated for generations to come.

Set in a prime location at the base of Aspen Mountain, this long-loved vacation townhome underwent a full upgrade to accommodate a multi-generational family.

At three stories and with a loftlike Soho Club vibe, the upper level features a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and skylights. Kitchen, dining, and multiple seating groups for gathering, lounging, reading, and working open onto a balcony overlooking town and the mountain views. An expanded open stair with a new glass guard rail allows natural light to filter down to levels below, which encompass a trio of primary suites and a bunk room. An elevator provides easy access between levels.

The remodel was completed in close collaboration with Bradley Stephens of New York-based Stephens Design Group. A complementary exterior remodel included updating and staining windows and refinishing wood soffits.

Perfectly sited to capture dramatic Aspen Mountain views, the interior renovation of this five–bedroom, 7,874 square foot Red Mountain home involved a close collaboration between the R+B team and the New York City based owners – a curator of modern and contemporary Asian art with a Guggenheim Museum affiliation and a financier-philanthropist, respectively.

Appreciating the scale and flow of the home, the project team worked to contemporize the older French Chateau-style structure and re-imagine aspects of the interior space.

The ample kitchen was modernized and reworked to accommodate the personal needs of the owners, as well as for catering and entertaining purposes. Ceiling beams were added to enhance to the formal dining room. The hall to the primary bedroom was dramatically opened and a new bedroom seating area specified to take advantage of mountain views. Furniture selection was in collaboration with Atelier AM.

Upon completion, a tranquil, sophisticated setting reflects the sensibilities of the owners and embraces the serenity of the surrounding environment.