Architecture & Interior Design
Earth Bound
Stephanie and Scott Conrad build their personal slice of heaven on Colorado's Front Range

Stephanie and Scott Conrad built a home that not only respects the land, but embraces its every curve. With the expertise of Doug Graybeal, former principle of Cottle Graybeal Yaw (now Cottle Car Yaw), the couple’s vision comes to life in a home that ­integrates contemporary architecture, sustainable materials and organic ­principles into a stunning rendition of the new Colorado style. We spoke with the ­couple, their architect and general contractor Kenzie Griffin to uncover their inspiration.

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles: How did you ­discover this beautiful piece of land?

Scott Conrad: We have lived in Colorado off and on for more than 20 years, and we fell in love with this lot because it is close in proximity to Denver but still maintains our privacy. The home is centered in the middle of a heavily forested 10-acre parcel that ­offers 360-degree views from the summit. It is incredible!

Ch&l: Did the environment influence the architecture?

Doug Graybeal: The Conrads and I spent two and a half days on the site looking at how the home should be situated in order to take full advantage of the views while preserving the trees. When I begin a project I like to enhance nature, not destroy it. In this case, we developed the idea of a ‘path’ that meandered freeform around a ponderosa pine grove.

CH&L: Discuss your building techniques.

Kenzie Griffin: First, we blasted two-thirds of the foundation from solid granite. Then, to cantilever the living room over the valley floor, we welded I-beams into the foundation to support the weight of the glass walls. ­Finally, masons built three granite walls that bisect the interior.

Stephanie conrad: The locally quarried stone walls became a metaphor for the geology. They split the home into articulate spaces and also help save energy. The 64,000 pounds of stone buffer extreme ­temperatures by retaining heat during the winter and cold during the summer.

CH&L: Tell us about the home’s layout.

Scott: Through the front door a narrow gallery ­opens to the dining room and library. The kitchen, which is separate from the dining area, anchors one end of the home and the west wing opens into the living room.
stephanie: We designed a kitchen that is perfect for entertaining, but also wonderful for family use. I wanted everything hidden so the bulthaup cabinetry would look more like furniture. Two full seven-foot-by-eight-foot slabs of black granite form the central island, and mahogany floors run the length of the dining room into the kitchen.

Graybeal: The kids’ area occupies its own wing. Instead of large, individual bedrooms, they share a common area complete with  desks, a TV, sofa, phone, etc. When the children grow up, the rooms can be repurposed.

CH&L: What was it like to work on such a distinctive project?

Griffin: With Scott’s background in commercial building and Stephanie’s architectural training, they envisioned a home that was beautiful and respectful of the site. Their ­enthusiasm trickled down to every member of the team, proving that a good attitude is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.

Graybeal: Communication is key. During the planning we asked them to rethink the way they lived, and this residence is unique because it fits their lifestyle perfectly.





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Photography by Jason Jung
Contractor: Kenzie Griffin, KB Griffin Corp, (303) 697-4300, kbgriffin.com
Landscaper: Tom Beyer, Beyer Landscape Co., (303) 238-2830;
Lighting Designer: David Nelson, David Nelson &Associates, (720) 480-5153;
Stone masonry: Gallegos Masonry, (303) 753-1021, gallegoscorp.com;
Windows: Lowen, Mountain States Building Products, (303) 377-8566;
Kitchen: Cabinets and appliances: bulthaup, Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele, Kitchen Distributors, (303) 777-5409, kitchendistributors.com;
Flooring: Genesis Innovations, (888) 635-2500, genesis-innovations.com;
Countertops: Evergreen Marble & Granite Co., (303) 674-0120;
Faucets and sinks: Euro Bath + Tile, (303) 298-8453, eurobath-tile.com;
Rugs: Shaver-Ramsey Oriental Rugs & Accents, (303) 320-6363, shaver-ramsey.com;
Family Room: Cabinets: J. Meinerz, Golden Cabinet & Design, (303) 279-1925;
Flooring: Genesis Innovations, see above;
Lighting: Satori Light Sculptures, Kneedler-Fauchère, Denver Design District, (303) 744-7474;
Breakfast Nook: Flooring: Genesis Innovations, see above;
Table and benches: Room & Board, (303) 322-6462, roomandboard.com;
Artwork: Malcolm T. Liepke, Apostrophe Arts, (303) 670-4950, apostrophearts.com;
Dining Room: Cabinets: J. Meinerz, Golden Cabinet & Design, see above;
Flooring: African Mahogany, Kitchen Creations Limited, (303) 282-7007;
Table: Gulassa Associates, (206) 283-1810;
Chairs: Cassina, Boyd and Dreith, Denver Design District, (303) 777-4600;
Living Room: Cabinets: J. Meinerz, Golden Cabinet & Design Co., (303) 279-1925;
Flooring: African Mahogany, Genesis Innovations, see above;
Rug: Shaver-Ramsey Oriental Rugs & Accents, see above;
Sofa: Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, Kneedler-Fauchère, Denver Design District, see above;
Master Bedroom: Chairs and table: Dessin Fournir, Kneedler-Fauchère, Denver Design District, see above.