by Tryba Architects

The urban waterfront residence was designed in relationship to the lake and views with an equal focus on the courtyard as an extension of the home. The thoughtfully crafted processional sequence influences how the owners and guests interact with the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape, while an eclectic collection of art guides circulation within the home. Connections to nature and access to natural light are provided throughout the residence.
The home is at once both timeless and adaptable, designed both for occupant comfort and for the enjoyment of nature and art. Masonry and blackened steel are interwoven with elements of wood, glass and weathered steel, creating a juxtaposition of transparency and solidity. The incorporation of an accessory dwelling unit offers an on-site affordable housing option for diverse generations and/or income levels.
The Lake Residence’s innovative design emphasizes passive heating and cooling throughout all seasons. Highly responsive to the daily movement of natural light, the massing progresses vertically from its lowest height on the south to a tower element on the north. In winter, low-angle sun enters below the south-facing pergola to passively heat the home. This same pergola provides shade for the home during the summer when the sun is positioned at a higher angle. A ground-floor radiant heating system runs hot water through tubes beneath the concrete slab floor, while fan coil units are divided into separate zones in the home, able to be turned down when an area is not in use. The thermal mass of the building helps account for temperature fluctuations and is intended to release heat more slowly in winter, and to stay cool longer in summer.
Because Colorado is an arid region, the use of native vegetation typically requires little irrigation. The residence’s landscaping employs approximately 70% native plants and grasses, conserving water while also providing much-needed habitat for native birds and pollinators. As the social center of the home, the courtyard extends the interior spaces into the landscape. An outdoor dining area with trellis provides an intimate space for entertaining connected to nature. A water feature flows through the garden and outdoor entertaining space, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating setting.
Category:Private HomesYear:2019Location:Denver, Colorado, USAArchitects:Tryba Architects Lead Architect: David TrybaContractor:Hyder Construction Inc.Client: PrivatePhotographer: Gibeon Photography