Panorama House by Studio B Architecture + Interiors and Leap Interior Design

In collaboration with Leap Interior Design, Studio B Architecture + Interiors crafts Panorama House, a mid-century-style home that connects its residents to the landscape of Boulder, Colorado.

Located at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, Panorama House has coveted views of the Colorado sandstone formations known as The Flatirons. The design brief for the project reflected the value of the home’s position. “Nothing’s going to compete with those views,” says Jen Mendelson, principal at Leap Interior Design and the home’s owner. “So we wanted to make sure that the focus was always on the exterior. We also really wanted to honour the topography of the land and the people that came before us in Boulder.”

Architect Mike Piché, formerly of Studio B, agrees. “There’s no more stunning site in Boulder, so connecting to those views and to that landscape was one of our top priorities.” To fulfil the brief, the mid-century style of the original house was actively embraced, with elements such as large-scale glazing and a simple built form used to integrate the home with the landscape.

In terms of layout, the upper level of Panorama House follows an L-shaped plan which allows the home to face The Flatirons while concealing a courtyard to the rear. Inside, the staircase turns at a 180-degree angle, creating a gradual reveal of the living, kitchen and dining areas. “The dining room is actually situated off the kitchen,” says Piché, “but in a way that’s trying to create its own very private moment – a more formal place for eating, while the kitchen and island can be more of an informal space.”

“There’s no more stunning site in Boulder, so connecting to those views and to that landscape was one of our top priorities.”

While providing expansive views of the city, the three areas link to the original architecture. “The historic part of the house embraces its mid-century aspects, so there’s a lot more vintage furniture,” says Piché. “It has lower ceilings, so it’s a little bit more low-profile. The primary bedroom has a very intimate scale but it has a great way of connecting to the outdoors, so there’s alignment with the pool. You kind of get everything revealed to you.”

Select materials run throughout Panorama House, binding the project together. Within the considered palette, timber plays the most important role in the architectural outcome. “When researching and thinking about exterior materials, in particular wood, vintage becomes a really important driver,” says Piché. Timber cladding is used to pay homage to iconic mid-century designs while establishing a durable, environmentally friendly exterior.

Timber cladding is used to pay homage to iconic mid-century designs while establishing a durable, environmentally friendly exterior.

“The Abodo product from reSAWN TIMBER co. has a sawn texture to it,” says Piché, who opted for reSAWN TIMBER co. cladding in a dramatic black shade, Nero. Made from New Zealand plantation timber, the Abodo range is engineered with a vertical grain that offers superior weathering characteristics. Over time, it will develop an attractive patina that will reflect the home’s evolving relationship to nature.

A testament to mid-century-modern style, Panorama House maximises the benefits of its unique location. Capturing every natural view available, Leap Interior Design and Studio B have created a warm and welcoming home that feels as if it has always belonged to the landscape.

Made from New Zealand plantation timber, reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo range is engineered with a vertical grain that offers superior weathering characteristics.

Architecture, interior design and landscape design by Piché Architecture and Studio B Architecture + Interiors. Interior design by Leap Interior Design. Build by Hansen Construction and PG Arnold Construction. Landscaping by Environmental Designs. Structural engineering by KL&A Engineers & Builders. Timber cladding by reSAWN TIMBER co.