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Villa H: A Modern Colorado Mountain House Inspired by Nordic Cabins

Set amongst a wooded backdrop of rugged mountains in Boulder, Colorado, Villa H takes inspiration from the simplicity and warmth of Nordic cabins. Designed by Studio B Architecture + Interiors, this modern mountain house embraces intimacy and modernity, while committing to principles of sustainability. At the heart of Villa H’s design is its ‘H’ shaped plan, creating two private courtyards on the front and back of the house. These courtyards are oriented so that the natural light and panoramic views invite the homeowners and visitors to enjoy sights of Haystack Mountain from the entry side and then sweeping views of the swimming pool and the city of Boulder from the rear.

Aerial view of Villa H, a modern geometric house with corrugated metal siding, surrounded by trees, featuring an adjacent rectangular swimming pool.

Aerial view of Villa H with a metal roof and solar panels, nestled in a forested area with mountains in the background.

Sustainability played a core factor in the design plan seen through the use of responsibly sources wood products and the installation of a 21 kW photovoltaic system that powers the house. These elements display the designer’s and homeowner’s commitment to utilizing renewable resources and optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the natural environment that surrounds the estate.

Modern villa with a gabled roof and large windows, surrounded by wooded area, featuring a rectangular pool in the foreground.

The standout feature of Villa H is its folded roof forms, which generates a playful dance with light and space, helping to create an atmosphere of serenity and openness. Inside these spaces, the walls become more than just structural – they become canvases for the homeowner’s curated art collection, including the work of local Boulder artist Jamie Kripke.

Modern villa with large glass windows and wooden siding, located in a forested area, under a twilight sky with a visible moon.

Modern Villa H with a triangular roof set against a backdrop of dense forest and rugged mountains.

A modern villa with a gabled roof and large windows revealing a bedroom interior, set against a backdrop of green trees under a clear blue sky.

A modern architectural home known as Villa H, featuring triangular roofs and large glass windows, reflected in a calm swimming pool.

Walls of glass dominate the rear of the house helping to dissolve the separation between the inhabitants and the outdoors, while passageways throughout imbue feelings of well-being and a connection to the surrounding landscape.

Villa H with large glass windows, asymmetric roofs, and an adjacent swimming pool, surrounded by a natural landscape under a clear sky.

The two main wings, the public space and the primary bedroom, cantilever out above the back pool area while wrapping around an upper patio in the open courtyard.

closeup partial view of modern home exterior clad in light wood with pitched roof line.

The exterior is clad in a light weathered wood hung vertically, complementing the rugged, mountainous land.

A minimalist wooden hallway in Villa H with a large glass door open to a natural landscape, featuring a bench on the right and a glass ceiling strip allowing natural light.

Interior of Villa H with walls and bench featuring wooden slatted design, a large glass door, and a potted plant.

A warm wood slatted vestibule greets visitors with a pivoting glass door in the center that allows uninterrupted sight lines through to the back of the house and beyond.

Modern kitchen in Villa H with a minimalist design featuring wooden cabinets, a central island with bar stools, large windows, and a geometric ceiling.

Modern kitchen in Villa H with light wood cabinets, a clean countertop with minimal decor, and a large window providing natural light and a view of trees.

A minimalist reading nook in Villa H with wooden built-in benches and shelves, overlooking a garden through a large window, lit by a simple pendant light.

A built-in banquette wrapped in light wood offers a casual spot for family meals with framed views of the greenery outdoors.

Modern living room in Villa H with large triangular windows offering a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape, furnished with neutral-toned sofas and minimalist decor.

The interior boasts a minimalist yet cozy environment that leans into the Nordic cabin aesthetic, thanks to a mostly neutral color palette and the use of natural materials.

Modern villa H living room with large windows overlooking nature, featuring minimalistic furniture and neutral colors.

Modern hallway in Villa H featuring wooden floors and walls with large windows, allowing ample natural light into the space.

A modern dining room in Villa H featuring a wooden table with chairs, large colorful artwork on the wall, and pendant lights overhead.

Modern living room in Villa H with a large sectional sofa, a wooden chair, abstract art, and floor-to-ceiling windows showing a natural landscape.

Modern Villa H bedroom with large windows showcasing a scenic view, including a balcony and a distant pool.

Interior view of Villa H, featuring a minimalistic hallway with wooden floors leading to a large window showcasing a scenic view of the countryside.

Modern bathroom in Villa H features a freestanding oval bathtub, wooden wall paneling, and gray tiled walls. Towels hang on the side with minimalist fixtures.

Modern minimalist Villa H bathroom with wooden slat walls, a white countertop sink, and hanging spherical pendant lights.

Modern hallway in Villa H with wooden cabinets lining the walls and a visible bathroom at the end, featuring a sink and mirror.

Modern twin-gabled villa at twilight with a central walkway leading to a distant sea view, lit interior rooms visible on either side.

A modern villa with large windows and outdoor lighting at twilight, overlooking a cityscape, with a visible pool in the foreground.

Modern Villa H with illuminated interiors and open patio next to a pool, set against a twilight sky with dark clouds.

Villa H with large glass windows overlooking a city at night, featuring a well-lit interior living room and visible outdoor pool.

Villa H with illuminated interiors at twilight, nestled in a forested mountain area.

Villa H with large windows illuminated at twilight, showcasing interior rooms and a swimming pool in the foreground.

Photography by James Florio.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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