Dezeen Magazine

Facade of Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio

Tumu Studio opens up Flatirons Residence to mountain views

Chicago-based Tumu Studio has added a window wall to a home in Boulder, Colorado, so that residents can enjoy unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountain Foothills.

Measuring nine metres, or 30 feet, this panoramic glazing allows residents to open up their living space to the elements.

Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
The living room is characterised by a timber roof and large fireplace

Tumu Studio created the new addition as part of a full renovation of the house, known as Flatirons Residence.

The architecture and design studio, led by Huili Feng and Ross Barney, were asked to adapt the living spaces to better suit its residents, a family of five, and to take better advantage of the scenic setting.

Window wall in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
The new folding window wall allows the room to connect with the garden

"The family bought the house when they relocated to Colorado from Illinois," said Feng.

"The family loves nature and being active outdoors, which is the main reason they choose to move," she told Dezeen.

Breakfast bar in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Banquette seating creates a new breakfast table opposite the kitchen

The low-rise building is characterised by a pitched, timber-framed roof, which creates a ski chalet feel. The interior is organised over two storeys, which align with the levels of the sloping landscape.

The renovation sees a few changes made to the building's layout, designed to suit the family's daily routines.

Dining room in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
There is also a larger dining room where the family have dinner together

While most of the family rooms are located on the upper-ground floor, a new media room is created on the lower level. As the only room in the house with a screen, it is designed to be a social space.

"The family doesn't watch TV every day," explained Feng, "however they do enjoy watching documentaries, having family movie nights, entertaining during sports games, and of course, the kids love to play video games with their friends."

Media room in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
A media room is located on the lower level

"The space was there and we thought it was perfect for a home theatre," she said.

Another new addition is the boot room that connects the garage on the lower level with the main stairwell. As the family use this entrance more than they do the front door, this room creates more of a sense of arrival.

Boot room in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
A new boot room features custom-made cubbies for each resident

As well as making some changes to the layout of Flatirons Residence, Tumu Studio created a series of built-in furniture elements that bring additional functionality to the hallway spaces.

A banquette seating area opposite the kitchen provides the family with a breakfast space, while a built-in desk and bookshelf creates an extra workspace in addition to the home office.

Staircase nooks in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Curved nooks create play spaces below the staircase

The most characterful of these additions is a trio of curved seating nooks built into the recess below the staircase. Created from fibreglass and coated with Venetian plaster, these cushion-filled openings offer spaces for relaxation or play.

"We took inspiration from the ball chair designed by Eero Aarnio," said Feng.

Desk and bookshelf in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
A study space slots into a wall recess

"We thought it would be fun to have three 'ball seats' inserted into the wall for the three boys. Two of the ball seats are connected and can be used as a slide."

"It's the boys' favourite feature of the whole house, if you ask them," she added. "They spend time in there reading, playing games and sometimes even napping."

Entrance to Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
A large moss wall flanks the main entrance

Throughout the house, furniture has been chosen to offer a relaxed and comfortable feel. For instance, the media room features lounge seats rather than traditional cinema chairs, while the living room and main bedroom both feature plush rugs.

Other highlights include a moss wall at the entrance and the custom-made cubbies in the boot room.

Bedroom in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
A commissioned artwork by Windy Chien hangs in the main bedroom

Tumu Studio also commissioned three artworks: paintings by artists Kristof Kosmowski and Jackie Battenfield, and a rope artwork by Windy Chien.

"The design focused on creating a soft, comfortable feel within the home that reflected our clients' desire for a serene and intimate retreat," added Feng.

Photography is by David Lauer.

More images and plans

Upper floor plan in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Upper floor plan
Lower floor plan in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Lower floor plan
Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Breakfast bar in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Stairwell in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Lounge seat in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Kids bedroom in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio
Media room in Living room in Flatirons Residence by Tumu Studio