Aspen, Colorado
Beneath a canopy of mature cottonwoods, Thunder River Residence sits along one of the Rocky Mountains’ most ecologically significant rivers. Nearby, a lake once formed by 19th-century mining has become a valued community preserve supporting a thriving wetland network and regional biodiversity.
Working with Olson Kundig and interior designer Kerry Joyce, Design Workshop reimagined a previously developed 1.5-acre parcel to restore its ecological vitality and reconnect the home to the surrounding landscape. Grounded in simplicity and stewardship, the design merges modern architecture with a layered ecological restoration that reestablishes a relationship between people, water, and land.
The steel, concrete, and glass home aligns parallel to the river on a gently elevated terrace, opening to the outdoors through operable walls and generous terraces. More than three-quarters of an acre were restored across five interconnected habitat zones: riparian edges, wetlands, meadows, and mixed forests, enhancing habitat, improving hydrology, and increasing site resilience. Construction techniques minimized disturbance to mature trees and sensitive wetlands. A historic irrigation ditch was reconstructed to improve water flow and ecological diversity, while integrated solar panels, dark-sky lighting, and advanced filtration systems support long-term environmental performance. Thunder River Residence demonstrates how contemporary living can exist in balance with natural systems, offering a model of design rooted in ecological intelligence and environmental stewardship.
Site Analysis, Site Planning, Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Permitting, Bidding/Negotiations, Construction Observation, Grading & Drainage Plans, Landscape Architecture
Confidential
Olson Kundig, Kerry Joyce Interiors, Integrative Development Solutions, Niteo, Aspen Tree Service, Roaring Fork Engineering, Water Design, Inc., KL&A Structural Engineering, Sunsense Solar, KWS Engineering, Environmental Solutions, BG Buildingworks, Sherman & Howard, Hines Irrigation, Hansen Construction, Landscape Workshop