Betasso Overlook
Betasso Overlook reimagines the traditional alpine cabin, establishing a new vernacular rooted in Rocky Mountain culture, climate, and landscape. Inspired by historic metal-clad miners’ cabins and simple A-frames, the design lets the site determine the home’s form, footprint, and interior.
Location
Boulder, ColoradoSize
3670sfCompleted
2024Credits
Publications
Awards
The program is split into three volumes—working, living, and sleeping—linked by glass halls that form bright in-between spaces. Stepped three feet at each transition, the cabins align with the natural topography and orient toward the view.
Concrete floors ground the home in its granite-and-pine surroundings. The staggered volumes capture optimal sunlight. A steep, insulated roof/wall blocks northern winds, while floor-to-ceiling glass opens the south to sweeping views of Betasso Preserve.
Inside, double fir rafters encase steel flitch plates to create long spans, fir ceilings warm the interior, and aligned structure and cabinetry establish order.
Geothermal energy, a 9 kW photovoltaic array, and all-electric systems enable zero-carbon operation.
