For James Korzekwa and Kyle Grunwald, building a custom house in the mountains meant creating purpose-built spaces for work and play in a stylish and energy-efficient home with breathtaking views. Located in Morrison, Colorado, just outside of Denver, they turned to Revolve Design-Build's Jared and Amber Phifer to bring their vision to life. The entire 24-month process is now captured in the new television show, Idea House: Mountain Modern, streaming on The Roku Channel.
"We wanted to build a home that truly reflected our lifestyle," says James. Along with an open-plan kitchen-living-dining area, they desired separate home offices, guest bedrooms, and hobby spaces. As software engineers who work remotely, having functional workspaces was essential for them. Additionally, they wanted their home to incorporate smart-home controls, catering to their tech-savvy nature.
However, building their dream house came with its fair share of challenges. The steep 2 3/4-acre hillside lot, while offering breathtaking views of Mount Evans, made construction difficult, especially during Colorado's snowy winters. Global supply chain issues and labor shortages also presented obstacles along the way.
Despite the hurdles, the 4,500-square-foot house slowly took shape, showcasing Revolve's signature mountain-modern aesthetic. With steep roofs, expansive glass windows, rustic wood and stone accents, and ample outdoor living spaces, the house seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. Energy efficiency was also a priority, with the inclusion of a high-performance heat-pump HVAC system, electricity-generating solar roof shingles, and a tight building envelope.
The patience and perseverance paid off in the end. "This is exactly what we wanted when we decided to build in the mountains," says Kyle.
Lofty and Light-filled
One of the standout features of the house is the living-dining area with its cathedral ceiling reaching 18 feet. The modern architecture is enhanced by floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, allowing natural light to flood the space and offering captivating mountain views. Rustic elements, such as the reclaimed walnut mantel and drystack stone veneered fireplace chimney, add warmth and character to the 23-by-17-foot room.
Peak Experience
The exterior of the house reflects the surrounding mountain landscape, while also meeting wildfire protection codes. Fire-resistant vertical ash, noncombustible fiber-cement clapboards, and fire-safe-finish enameled metal accent roofs combine to create a visually pleasing and safe exterior.
Open Invitation
The kitchen is a beautiful blend of modern sensibility and farmhouse style. Kyle's modern touch is evident in the streamlined galley layout, stainless steel appliances, and sleek angular vent hood. James's farmhouse influence is seen in the apron-front sink, natural-walnut island base, and brick pantry walls. The combination results in a harmonious space that seamlessly marries different design elements. Gray Shaker-style perimeter cabinets maintain the clean-lined aesthetic throughout the house, and a neutral color palette ties everything together.
Spaces for Rest and Desk Duty
The primary bedroom on the second floor is a tranquil retreat, featuring an airy vaulted ceiling and patio doors opening to a private west-facing deck. The gray-washed wood floors and stone-gray feature wall create a soothing and natural ambiance. The primary bath continues the theme of clean lines and natural materials, with a streamlined vanity, double sinks, and matte-black faucets and cabinet hardware adding subtle contrast.
Upstairs, Kyle's home office is equipped with all the necessary tech, including dual monitors, an adjustable-height desk, and high-speed cable for seamless Internet access. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning mountain views, making it an inspiring workspace.
Downtime Destinations
The basement rec room is the ultimate hangout spot, complete with a cozy gas-insert fireplace and easy access to an on-grade patio. Whether it's gaming, sampling Kyle's latest brew, or simply relaxing, this space provides endless entertainment options. The raised ceiling covered in reclaimed wood adds a rustic touch, while the tinted concrete floor adds a unique flair. The smart lighting system creates synchronized hues that complement whatever is on-screen, providing a truly immersive movie-theater experience.
As self-proclaimed homebodies who spend a lot of time in front of their computers, James and Kyle wanted an in-house gym for unwinding and staying in shape. The 8-by-15-foot space adjacent to the rec room easily accommodates the latest treadmill and exercise equipment.
Completing the rec room's party vibe is a built-in bar area, featuring a sink, an under-counter beverage fridge, a countertop icemaker, and ample storage for glassware. With its white tile, quartz countertops, and natural-wood open shelves, the bar area adds a pop of color with blue base cabinets.
Building their dream house in the mountains was an arduous journey for James and Kyle, but the end result speaks for itself. They now have a purpose-built home that not only fits their lifestyle but also showcases the beauty of mountain living. Idea House: Mountain Modern is a testament to their vision and the expertise of Revolve Design-Build.
