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A modern Colorado mountain home inspired by Nordic cabins

A modern Colorado mountain home inspired by Nordic cabins

Situated amid a forested backdrop of rugged mountains in Boulder, Colorado, Villa H is inspired by the simplicity and warmth of Nordic cabins. Conceived by Studio B Architecture + Interiors, this modern mountain home embraces privacy and modernity, while committing to the principles of sustainability. At the heart of Villa H’s design is its ‘H’ shaped plan, creating two private courtyards at the front and rear of the house. These courtyards are oriented so that natural light and panoramic views invite homeowners and visitors to enjoy the view of Haystack Mountain from the entry side and then panoramic views of the pool and city of Boulder from the back.

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

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

Sustainability played a central role in the design plan, through the use of responsibly sourced wood products and the installation of a 21 kW photovoltaic system that powers the home. These elements demonstrate the designer’s and owner’s commitment to using renewable resources and optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring harmonious coexistence with the natural environment surrounding the estate.

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

The remarkable feature of Villa H is its folded roof forms, which generate 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 owner’s art collection, including the work of local Boulder artist Jamie Kripke.

Modern villa with large bay windows and wooden cladding, located in a wooded area, under a twilight sky with a visible moon.

Modern Villa H with a triangular roof against the backdrop of dense forest and steep mountains.

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

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

Glass walls dominate the rear of the house, helping to dissolve the separation between residents and the outdoors, while passageways imbue feelings of well-being and a connection to the surrounding landscape.

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

The two main wings, the public space and the master bedroom, cantilever over the rear pool while wrapping around an upper patio in the open courtyard.

partial close-up view of modern house exterior clad in light wood with sloping roofline.

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

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

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

A warm, wood-slatted foyer welcomes visitors with a center pivoting glass door that allows for uninterrupted views to the rear of the home and beyond.

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

Modern kitchen in Villa H with light wood cabinets, sleek countertop with minimalist decor and large window offering natural light and views of the trees.

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

A built-in banquette wrapped in light wood provides a casual spot for family meals with a framed view of the outdoor greenery.

Villa H's modern living room with large triangular windows offering panoramic views of a mountainous landscape, furnished with sofas in neutral tones and minimalist decor.

The interior features a minimalist yet comfortable environment that draws inspiration from the Nordic cabin aesthetic, thanks to a predominantly neutral color palette and use of natural materials.

Modern living room in Villa H with large windows overlooking nature, with minimalist furniture and neutral colors.

Modern hallway in Villa H with 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 on the ceiling.

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

Modern Villa H room with large windows offering panoramic views, including a balcony and remote swimming pool.

Interior view of Villa H, featuring a minimalist hallway with wooden flooring leading to a large window with panoramic countryside views.

Villa H's modern bathroom features a freestanding oval bathtub, wooden wall paneling and gray tiled walls.  Towels hang on the side with minimalist accessories.

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

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

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

A modern villa with large windows and exterior lighting at dusk, overlooking a cityscape, with a swimming pool visible in the foreground.

Modern Villa H with lighted interiors and an open patio next to a swimming pool, against a twilight sky with dark clouds.

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

Villa H with dusk-lit interiors, nestled in a forested mountainous area.

Villa H with large windows lit at dusk, highlighting the interior rooms and a swimming pool in the foreground.

Photograph by James Florio.

Caroline Williamson is editor-in-chief of Design Milk. She holds a BFA in Photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage items, doing pen crosswords in the New York Times, or reworking playlists on Spotify.