Northstar Revival

Whether you’re a native of Boulder, CO, a transplant, or immersed in the architecture and design world, you’ve likely heard of Charles Haertling. Haertling was a prominent mid-20th-century architect in Colorado, celebrated for his distinctive, modern homes. His designs are instantly recognizable, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on natural light, incorporating materials like wood and stone.

One of Haertling’s most intriguing contributions to Boulder’s architecture is the Johnson House. Shaped like two connected cones, it resembles a cassette tape in plan and a double-teepee in elevation. Unlike many other Haertling houses, the Johnson House remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1976. HMH had the honor of renovating this iconic home for its new owners. While Haertling’s original design emphasized form, our goal was to enhance the house’s functionality for a modern family while preserving its striking architecture. The main renovation involved lowering the basement floor to create a family room and more comfortable bedrooms. The original house spans roughly 2,300 square feet, and we added around 1,000 square feet to accommodate the family’s needs.

Location

Boulder, Colorado

Photography

Justin Martin Photography

Northstar Revival

In the family since the 1970s, this Vail Condo accommodates a large extended family. The three-story, 2,650-square-foot unit offers breathtaking views and reflects the owner’s love of family and skiing. The aesthetics are comfortable and bright with a big connection to the outdoors – and not too cliché with the skiing motif.

The heart of the home is the open-concept 2nd level, incorporating the living, dining and kitchen. A large round table floats between the spaces, allowing for family-style meals. A stone fireplace rises over the living room beckoning everyone toward generous seating and a game table. The wood ceiling in the kitchen wraps up the living room wall, visually connecting the two spaces. A spiral staircase leads to the top and bottom levels. Upstairs, the Master Suite and office. Downstairs are 4 ensuite guest bedrooms. Also added, was a mudroom with built-in ski storage and a boot warmer.