Chad Oppenheim of Miami firm Oppenheim Architecture took a 1971 Aspen ski chalet with period interiors (read: nightmare) and did the seemingly impossible: turned it into an of-the-moment eco-chic retreat with a distinctly Axel Vervoodt vibe.
Located in the enclave of Red Mountain in Aspen, Colorado, the ski chalet is "an homage to the Japanese sensibility of wabi sabi," according to Oppenheim. "The house is clad in reclaimed regional wood, stone, and steel, with the intention of making a minimal impact on the natural resources and merge effortlessly with its surroundings of forest, stream, and mountain. Solar collectors provide needed energy for power and hot water, while extremely large operable panels of insulated glass blur the boundaries between inside and out."
Photographs by Laziz Hamani, via Arch Daily, unless otherwise noted.
Above: A pair of Charlotte sofas by Verellen are slipcovered in gray linen.
Above: A series of grays intersect in the living room. The moss vertical frame is from JF Chen in Los Angeles.
Above L: A reading chair is draped in fur. Above R: A study in textures: moss art, antique oak dining table, and leather banquette.
Above: Even the kitchen is completely clad in reclaimed barn wood.
Above L: Oppenheim keeps the detailing simple. Above R: A dramatically positioned bathtub.
Above: A bed carved into a wall.
Above L: A reclaimed barn wood console with stone sink. Above R: Mismatched reclaimed wood creates a headboard effect. Photos by Robert Reck for the NY Times.
Above: In the library, a pair of metal chairs serve as desk seating.
Above: A lounging area with linen-covered sectional sofa.
Above: Raw steel doors close off the fireplace when it's not in use.
Above: A simple rectangular hot tub is cut into the stone patio.
Above: Oppenheim wanted the house to disappear into the landscape. To see more, go to Oppenheim Architecture.
And for more Rocky Mountain inspiration, have a look at our Architect Visit: John Pawson in Telluride. Are you as enchanted by cozy winter bedrooms as we are? Don't miss: 10 Space-Saving Ski Cabin Bunks.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on October 8, 2012 as part of our North by Northwest issue.