Dezeen Magazine

Zale Residence by Studio B

Studio B wraps elevated Aspen home in zinc and glass

American firm Studio B faced challenging site conditions while conceiving this contemporary Colorado dwelling that sits atop a concrete plinth.

The Zale Residence is situated on a sloped, angular property in the mountain town of Aspen. Located within walking distance to downtown, the home enjoys "ample sunshine and great views to Aspen Mountain".

Zale Residence by Studio B

The property faces an active street and is bound on three sides by neighbouring buildings.

In response to the site conditions, the architects elevated the home off the ground – a strategy that enabled privacy and views for the occupants, while also conforming to a building restriction.

Zale Residence by Studio B

"A constrained property, a complex history and a one-storey requirement define this 2,500-square-foot (232-square-metre) residence," said Studio B, a firm with offices in Aspen and Boulder, Colorado.

The home consists of flat-roofed, zinc-clad volumes that sit atop a plinth made of board-formed concrete. One side of the ground level is occupied by a garage.

Zale Residence by Studio B

A concrete stairway with glass walls leads to the front entrance, which delivers visitors into a central corridor.

The corridor connects two wings. One contains the kitchen, living room and master suite, and the other houses two bedrooms and a family room. The wings wrap around a compact courtyard at the rear.

Zale Residence by Studio B

Interior rooms feature floor-to-glass windows, which usher in ample daylight.

"Sectional differences and an open-plan capture natural light throughout, with the hidden rear terrace embraced by the architecture," the team said.

Zale Residence by Studio B

For the interior decor, the team used charcoal overtones to complement the exterior material palette.

Finishes include light-textured porcelain floors, grey-veined marble and premium drywall. To add warmth, wire-brushed cypress was used for ceilings and interior doors.

Zale Residence by Studio B

The home is also filled with art that "reflect the clients love of travel".

Other residential projects by Studio B include an addition to a Colorado riverside home wrapped in weathered wooden boards.

More images and plans

Zale Residence by Studio B
Ground floor plan
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B
Zale Residence by Studio B