Sunshine Canyon House is a single-family residence situated on an alpine slope overlooking Boulder, Colorado, where wildfire had previously cleared a historic cabin and mature forest. This absence of trees and the area’s mining and ranching legacy shaped a brief focused on resilience, fire resistance, and a dialogue with the region’s rural past.
The design features a simple gabled form clad in rusted steel and anchored by exposed structural beams. Oversized barn doors, a robust material palette, and minimal detailing reference local vernacular buildings while ensuring durability and low maintenance. Energy performance is prioritized through a photovoltaic array, high-efficiency electric systems, and rigorous insulation using closed- and open-cell foam. Triple-glazed low-e windows and rolling shutters help moderate temperatures. The plan is organized to enhance daylight, cross-ventilation, and connections to the landscape, while internal comfort is supported by radiant floor heating and a wood stove.