Wood You

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.