Perched above its surroundings, this modern residence maximizes its Boulder setting with uninterrupted Flatirons views, most dramatically from a cantilevered living room. Built by Cottonwood Custom Builders, it replaces a dilapidated structure with a striking architectural statement.
“From the beginning, the homeowners wanted a home that was within walking distance to downtown Boulder,” says Maggie Pattillo, marketing director for Cottonwood Custom Builders. “They envisioned a modern home that embraced Boulder’s indoor–outdoor lifestyle and celebrated the site’s incredible Flatirons views.”
After dismantling the existing structure and recycling as much material as possible, the team set out to design a residence that would feel timeless, precise, and deeply connected to its surroundings, while responding to the realities of a challenging urban lot.
The homeowners initially selected HMH Architecture to design the residence, and through a long-standing partnership, the firm recommended Cottonwood Custom Builders to serve as the builder. Early in the planning process, the team encountered significant code and bulk plane conflicts that ultimately derailed the original design. As a result, the project was forced to pause and undergo a complete reimagining. Cottonwood Custom Builders became more deeply involved during this pivotal reset, collaborating closely with HMH and the planning teams to navigate the constraints and bring new momentum to the project.
An Elevated Approach to Living
Set on a sloped, triangular hilltop parcel, the site shaped nearly every design decision. Solar orientation, neighborhood context, and strict Boulder building codes demanded an exacting approach. To maximize views, the home features an inverted floor plan, placing the primary living spaces on the upper level and private areas below. “The finished home reflects that vision through a refined, contemporary design that prioritizes light, views, and connection to the outdoors,” Maggie explains.
The upper level opens to the home’s most defining feature: a cantilevered living room engineered at a rare 1:1 ratio. Extending outward toward the Flatirons, the space creates a sense of suspension while fully engaging the surrounding landscape. Achieving this required close coordination with engineers and a willingness to exceed typical structural standards in service of long-term performance.
The design process was complex, requiring a complete redesign that pushed against allowable setbacks while balancing architectural ambition with code compliance. Strategic interventions, such as a custom-angled skylight above the staircase, introduced natural light while preserving privacy.
The Beauty of Exacting Work
Inside, the home’s interiors reflect a disciplined, modern sensibility. Clean lines dominate, with drywall running seamlessly to the floor without base trim—made durable through the use of a custom fry reglet. Tile is used strategically to add depth and visual interest, most notably in the living room, where a three-dimensional installation subtly shifts in appearance as daylight changes.
Honed concrete floors anchor the basement; a custom metal staircase introduces a sculptural element. Porcelain pavers extend living space onto the roof decks, and Aspen Leaf cabinetry, crafted in Berthoud, Colorado, adds warmth. Recycled metal siding wraps the exterior, reinforcing durability.
“Material choices and structural elements reinforce the home’s modern, highly detailed concept,” Maggie notes. “Structurally, the 1:1 cantilevered living room is the home’s defining feature—an engineering-forward statement that goes beyond typical cantilever ratios.”
High-performance systems, including a tightly sealed building envelope, highly insulated windows, a glazed skylight designed to reduce summer heat gain, and a high-efficiency multi-zone HVAC system, ensure the home performs with the same rigor as its design.
The result is a modern Boulder residence that pairs architectural ambition with thoughtful restraint—proof that precision, when done well, can feel quietly luxurious.
To learn more, visit CottonwoodCustomBuilders.com.
"The finished home reflects that vision through a refined, contemporary design that prioritizes light, views, and connection to the outdoors." — Maggie Pattillo, marketing director for Cottonwood Custom Builders