Schultz Residence
Luxury Mountain Architecture at Home with Nature
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Schultz sought out T.W. Beck Architects to design their vacation/retirement home in Grey Fox Estates, Estes Park, Colorado. The 2 ½ acre lot is in a development of luxury mountain homes. Inspired by the rock outcroppings and treed setting, T.W. Beck Architects created a ‘log’ timber frame design that provides an effortless flow between indoors and out. At the Schultz’s request, the architectural design involves generous use of wood and logs. Tree-like elements beautifully fill this Rocky Mountain home.
The 5089 square-foot structure, built by Westover Construction, includes a main and upper level. The large, covered, front porch features giant post and beam supports and trusses along with a copper roof. The main level includes the great room, dining area, kitchen, powder room and a magnificent master suite. A walk-through laundry room leads to the 1162 square foot garage that can accommodate four cars, parked two deep.
Vaulted Ceilings of Weathered Barn Wood, Natural Timbers Create Sensation of Tree Canopy
A special feature of the house, requested by the owners, is the use of old, weathered barn wood siding on the vaulted ceilings of the great room and exterior. Spruce logs, some with bark still intact, serve as ceiling beams and trusses. The living area features a moss rock fireplace with a massive half-log mantle. Huge supporting timbers, with bark, create the impression that the ceiling of the two-story great room space must surely be a canopy of treetops. Natural sandstone floors lead through French doors onto the patio, which blends into a large rock outcropping that provides privacy for the patio. These natural elements incorporate a sustainable design that complements the mountain architecture.
Spacious Custom Kitchen
An open, log staircase leads to the upper level and an open loft that serves as an office. Surrounded by barked timbers and overlooking the great room, dining area and kitchen the loft is reminiscent of a tree house. In fact, from the loft office, the spacious kitchen is as impressive as from the main level. Two steps up from the living area, it features a large, central work island, pantry, bountiful cupboards and a built-in hutch. Beyond the loft the upper level includes two bedrooms and a bath plus a huge ‘bunkroom” to house visiting grandchildren or other guests. The bunkroom has its own bath and can be accessed from downstairs by a separate staircase. Consistent with the tree and log construction, the bunkroom has a steel beam, running its length, concealed in two half logs. Two double French doors open onto a wooden deck.
Heat is provided with a forced air, natural gas furnace located in the crawl space and garage. Interior doors and window trim are of alder wood. Large Sierra Pacific wood windows with aluminum-clad exteriors, draw in the mountain views to make them part of the décor. The home’s essence is one of casual luxury that is comfortable and livable. The log and rock exterior, which also includes weathered barn wood, plus a wood shingle roof, integrate the structure with its surroundings. The home’s natural style which T.W. Beck Architects refer to as “a log version of Mountain Craftsman,” fits effortlessly into its serene Rocky Mountain setting to afford the Schultz’s the lifestyle they were seeking in their mountain dream home.
