The Barn Studio

Set within the exclusive mountainside community of Starwood, just minutes from downtown Aspen, Barn Studio is part of a family compound that will eventually include five or more distinct dwellings. A goal for the project was to embrace the unique features of the existing structure, including a singular rogue shape and formidable stone exteriors, while updating it with contemporary finishes and furnishings.

In addition to Barn Studio, R+B is providing both architecture and interior design services for the entire grouping of buildings. The goal is that each has a separate identity, yet all work together to form a cohesive whole that speaks to the site’s history.

The natural beauty of the site, along with the heritage of both the overall ranch and the existing structure, led the Barn Studio design team to focus on blending old and new elements and maximize existing open volumes. Several of the original elements of the project were retained, including wood beams, railings, unique floor patterns and a light-collector intended to shine light at a certain point in the home during the summer solstice.

Other aspects of the original structure were in need of updating to improve the usage and enjoyment of the building. Upgrades were made to a small kitchenette and bathrooms to improve functionality, while a curved, subgrade workout space was transformed into a media room.

Upon establishing a clean, modern palette for interior finishes, including white plaster walls, white-oak wood floors and millwork, and glass tile, the R+B team specified a contemporary furniture plan. Certain key pieces, such as a Benchcraft dining table, was custom-designed and outfitted with hidden storage space. Sustainability was addressed via a new energy efficient boiler and solar shades to cut glare and heat gain while maintaining the view of the outdoors. The replacement of large-format windows provided a direct connection to the natural surroundings while reducing solar heat gain.

Materials Used:

GAME ROOM

1. Game Table Rook by Holly Hunt
2. Game Table Chairs John Hutton Chair by Holly Hunt
3. Chairs Tristan Auer Orielle Wingchair by Holly Hunt
4. Walls Original Barnwood
5. Side Table Omni Side Table by Hellman-Chang

PANTRY

1. Custom Cabinets Thermafoil in Shark Grey, Custom millwork by Benchcraft
2. Countertop Caesarstone Concrete, Polished
3. Custom Backsplash Blackened Metal
4. Plumbing Elkay sink, KWC faucet
5. Cabinet Pulls Hopewell Bar Pulls in Flat Black by Top Knobs
6. Appliances SubZero wine storage

POWDER ROOM

1. Wallcovering Tweed Donegal Gray by Phillip Jefferies
2. Custom Vanity Thermafoil in Shark Grey, Custom millwork by Benchcraft
3. Countertop Caesarstone Concrete, Polished
4. Plumbing Kohler sink, Dornbracht faucet, Toto toilet
5. Cabinet Pulls Hopewell Bar Pulls in Flat Black by Top Knobs

MEDIA ROOM

1. Carpet Cashel in Stone by Cavan Carpets
2. Wallcovering Errol fabric in Grey Tweed by Nobilis
3. Sofa Custom by Benchcraft
4. Sofa Fabric Sahi in Graphite by Zinc Textiles
5. Toss Pillows Caniche in Lapis by Romo, Coco in FR Ruby by Romo
6. Buffets Custom by Benchcraft
7. Side table Nay Table by Minotti
8. Entry Drapery Windsor in London Fog by Great Plains, Fabrication Living by Design

KITCHEN

1. Custom Cabinets Thermafoil in High Gloss White, Custom millwork by Benchcraft
2. Countertop One Quartz Surfaces in Morning Frost, Polished
3. Appliances Miele dishwasher, KitchenAid cooktop, SubZero refrigerator and freezer
4. Plumbing Elkay sink, KWC faucet
5. Cabinet Pulls Skinny Linnea Pull in Gloss White by Atlas Hardware

LIVING ROOM

1. Fireplace Hearth Blue Mist Limestone, Honed by Balentine Aspen
2. Fireplace Surround Painted White Metal
3. Sofas Seymour by Minotti
4. Sofa Fabric Rocco in Antler by Romo
5. Toss Pillows White Alpaca by Alpacca Yerra Suri
6. Rug White Alpaca by Yerra
7. Shades Lutron
8. Dining Table Custom by Benchcraft
9. Dining Chairs Chair Chair by Blu Dot

LOFT

1. Custom Millwork White Oak to match existing by Benchcraft
2. Custom Vanity Thermafoil in High Gloss White, Custom by Benchcraft
3. Countertop One Quartz Surfaces in Morning Frost, Polished
4. Shower Curb One Quartz Surfaces in Morning Frost, Polished
5. Cabinet Pulls Skinny Linnea Pull in Gloss White by Atlas Hardware
6. Tile Voguebay in Glossy White
7. Plumbing Kohler sink, Dornbracht faucet, Toto toilet
8. Flooring White Oak to match existing
9. Custom Carpet Wool by Balentine Aspen
10. Chairs Archibald Chair by Poltrona Frau