Tucked away on a three-acre plot in a quiet rural subdivision, Alta Cabin might initially seem like just another mountain retreat at first glance. However, on closer inspection, one might discover a story of care, creativity, and a touch of whimsy. The owner purchased the property with an existing dilapidated cabin on it as well as the lot next door. She wanted to utilize the existing cabin and turn it into a 2-bedroom residence for herself as well as build a house for her sister on the adjacent lot. She was being treated for cancer, and her sister was taking care of her. She requested that the cabin have whimsical elements and have a direct pathway to her sister’s house.
Ward + Blake Architects embraced the challenge with ingenuity. In their efforts to save the existing cabin, the architects keyed off the existing post and beam structure and used it to create the Living/ Kitchen/ Dining area. This developed a central spine, with beautiful mountain views to the east and west, that captured abundant natural light while extending beyond the house to create shade and a pleasant porch area. They were also able to work with the contractor to utilize all of the existing columns and beams, a fair amount of walls/ roof, most of the floor framing, and the entire foundation with some minor structural reinforcing.
The existing cabin had been placed at a skewed angle to the property line so a radiused hallway allowed the garage and studio to extend to the north wrapping around an existing portion of the cabin. The existing wings were easily captured for the bedroom spaces, and a sod roof was utilized to create an entry that links the new Studio/ Garage wing to the existing cabin. All the spaces were designed to allow wheelchair access, without being completely handicap accessible, per the clients direction. Steel trusses, decorative tile work, light fixtures, and the client’s bear art were added for whimsy.
The house is well insulated to meet the 2018 International Energy Code and provides continuous exterior insulation at the walls and roof. A moderately priced window system meeting U-26 requirements completes the thermal envelope. Hydronic radiant floors provide the primary heat, and a supplemental forced air fan coil unit helps eliminate convective currents coming from the cold glass. This allowed the client to enjoy the house in stocking feet and bath robes. A heat recovery ventilation unit keeps the air fresh and replaces the bathroom exhaust fans. The heat source is from an electric boiler and cooling is from a conventional A/C condensing unit.
A stone wainscot keeps the siding out of the deep snow and added roof eaves protect exterior walls while providing shade from the hot high-altitude sun. The design fosters connection from the outside as well. Landscaping between the two properties integrates the homes seamlessly, and a charming pathway crosses a dry creek bed, linking the sisters’ houses in both function and spirit. In the mountains, where the air is crisp and the views endless, whimsy meets practicality, and a once-forgotten cabin has been reborn as a place of comfort, joy, and connection, serving is a testament to thoughtful architecture, family devotion, and the magic that happens when a home is designed with heart.
