Vail Colorado Architects: Transforming Your Sunburst Home

“We love being in this home, and I look back on the time we spent together working on the remodel very fondly.”

Sunburst Client

The current homeowner inherited her family’s Vail vacation home and intended to make it a permanent home for her family. Each room was preciously filled with memories and stories of past family vacations, holidays and ski weekends with her parents, siblings, and their families, however many of the rooms and spaces did not live comfortably as a full-time residence. She wanted to respect the house and the collected memories, while at the same time making it her own, beginning a new chapter of memories. Small moves lead to big impacts and transformation. The living room’s angled corners were squared to open the view up to the Gore Range. The fireplace was relocated from one side of the room to the other to allow a large pocketing sliding glass door that opens onto a new covered living space on the south side of the home. Windows were changed and relocated, including new clerestory windows in the kitchen and brighten what was a darker space. Small vacation home sized bedrooms and closets were enlarged to become retreats for the owner’s daughters. The resulting home is instantly recognizable as a continuation of the family legacy while being thoroughly updated and refreshed to live comfortably long into the future.

Residential | Major Renovation | 5,050 Sq. Ft. | 2019 year completed

FAQ's about the Suburst Project

The Sunburst residence is a modern interpretation of mountain living, blending clean lines, natural materials, and expansive mountain views. Below are answers to common questions about the design, inspiration, and unique aspects of this custom home by Sipes Architects.

1. Where is the Sunburst residence located?
The Sunburst project is located in Vail, Colorado, offering a striking balance between contemporary design and the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains.

2. What was the design vision for the Sunburst project?
Our vision was to create a home with strong modern lines softened by warm, natural materials. The design prioritizes indoor-outdoor living, maximizing natural light and connecting every space to the mountain views.

3. How did Sipes Architects maximize the site’s potential at Sunburst?
We carefully positioned the home to capture panoramic views while preserving privacy. Strategic window placement and terraced outdoor living areas allow the landscape to flow naturally into the home’s design.

4. What are some distinctive features of the Sunburst home?
Key features include expansive glass walls, an open floor plan, natural wood ceilings, and sustainable design elements that enhance comfort and energy efficiency year-round.

5. Can Sipes Architects design a similar modern mountain home for me?
Yes! If you are inspired by the Sunburst residence, our team can work with you to design a custom home that captures your unique vision, whether in Vail, Avon, Edwards, or beyond.

Remodeling the Vail Vacation Home

The current homeowner of the Vail vacation home inherited the property from her family and decided to make it a permanent residence for her family. The house was filled with precious memories of past family vacations, holidays, and ski weekends, but many of the rooms were not suitable for full-time living. She wanted to honor the memories while also creating a space that reflected her own style and allowed for new memories to be made.

Windows were a key element in the remodel, with changes and relocations made to bring more natural light into the home. The addition of clerestory windows in the kitchen helped brighten up a previously dark space, creating a more welcoming and comfortable environment for the family to enjoy.

Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

Throughout the remodeling process, the homeowner was mindful of preserving the history and character of the home while also updating it to meet modern living standards. Each decision was made with the intention of honoring the past while looking towards the future, creating a seamless blend of old and new in the home.

The result of the remodel was a space that not only retained the memories and stories of the past but also provided a fresh start for the homeowner and her family. The new design allowed for a more functional and comfortable living space, where new memories could be created and cherished for years to come.

Collaboration with Sipes Architects

The successful transformation of the Vail vacation home was made possible through a collaboration with Sipes Architects. The team at Sipes Architects worked closely with the homeowner to understand her vision for the space and bring it to life through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail.

With their expertise in architecture and design, Sipes Architects was able to create a home that not only met the homeowner's needs but exceeded her expectations. The result was a beautiful and functional space that seamlessly blended the old with the new, creating a truly unique and personalized home for the family to enjoy.