Red Butte Ranch

Pitkin County, Colorado

Honor Award in Residential Design - ASLA Colorado Chapter
Residential Landscape of the Year - Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine

Viewed as one of the most prominent agricultural ranches near the mountain town of Aspen with stunning views to the panoramic Elk Mountain Range, this 150-acre site marks a five-year collaboration between the landscape architect, design team and client for the pristine ranch. At Red Butte Ranch, simple shapes form axial relationships in a complex natural landscape. Rectilinear gardens and an elliptical pool are joined by a linear pathway. Windows in the landscape are organized around interior and exterior focal points, drawing the view into the garden and creating an intimately scaled environment where bold landforms, natural promontories and hand-crafted stone walls define edges.

The client's desire for a fragrant garden led to the design of a cut-flower perennial garden which surrounds the front terrace and provides a colorful foundation to the residence. In order to circulate through and maintain the garden, stepping stones appear as extensions of the residence, creating individual planting “rooms” within the larger garden. A linear stone pathway runs along the front of the perennial garden, dividing the residence's formalized planting areas with a more casual, lawn terrace. The path terminates at a pool terrace and outdoor grill, which serves as a promontory garden for guests to enjoy.