Finnbar Farms

Garfield County, CO

Rural house at sunset beside a pond, with mountains in the distance.
The clear inspiration for this home started with the lovely bucolic site.  Situated on a mostly flat 15 acre parcel just off the beaten path in Carbondale, the low slung lines and distant views, water courses, and importantly a pre-existing flatwork slab determined the setting, massing and feel of the house. This resulted in a single story rambling home with extended outdoor covered spaces and wings reaching out into the landscape.  Not wanting to overwhelm the site, forms are simple and ‘home like’, simple striking gables joined by flat roofs accentuating the primary spaces.
 
Critical to the success of a good home are engaged, smart and interesting owners.  For example, they eschewed the common conception of opening the entry of the house to the views, instead opting for a large covered intimate space at the center of the home so that guests could be welcomed and addressed, and wait for the unfolding of the house to the site.  Durable materials and minimal maintenance were also at the forefront of the design aesthetic, resulting in a restrained palette.  The stone is used sparingly and a tool to draw occupants to the covered exterior spaces.  Stained cedar then ties the various wings of the building together in a simple straightforward manner.  Also indicative of their character, they chose to utilize the significant concrete slab that came with the property, and turn it into a pickleball court that serves as a draw to guests and family.  This decision set off the landscape and location of out buildings and serves as a playful centerpiece to the site and entry sequence.  
 
Similarly, the interior design reflects the client’s passion for design, combining the various forces of the architecture, site and client needs.  This is reflected in the wonderfully peaceful feeling of the Primary Bedroom, with it’s subdued colors and materials, and wonderful relaxing seating space at the fireplace.  Conversely, the more active spaces such as the home office, are filled with splashes of color, wonderful casework details among the oversized windows looking out to the garden.