Lynne Barton BierPrincipal/DesignerAllied ASIDHome on the Range inc.

New Mexico Territorial style home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Our clients were drawn to the natural elements, the old-world craftsmanship and the pared-down simplicity of the New Mexico Territorial style. After having traveled extensively in New Mexico and having photographed and visited many homes, antique shops and galleries in Albuquerque, Taos and Santa Fe, Connie developed a vision for the home she and her husband, Tom were planning to build in Steamboat Springs. She and Tom selected the architect, Joe Patrick Robbins, AIA and then worked closely with both Joe and his architectural assistant, Ian, to bring their vision to life. Gary Cogswell of Cogswell Construction was chosen for his and his crew’s craftsmanship. Their knowledge of, and skill with, reclaimed wood is unsurpassed in the Rocky Mountain region. Lynne Bier from Home on the Range became part of the team, having worked closely with both Joe and Gary on a number of previous homes using reclaimed materials. Lynne began working with Connie to add the multitude of layers to the “bones” of the house through the selection of interior finishes that would create a harmonious backdrop for Tom and Connie’s eclectic collection of art, pottery, textiles and antiques .

One of the driving concepts behind the design was the desire to build a “green” house which would be as energy efficient as possible. To that end, one section of the house is actually constructed in the traditional straw bale method. The straw bale is not only a signature component of adobe style homes but its soft lines and textural surfaces blend beautifully with the reclaimed fir timbers, terra cotta floors and textural plaster walls. The heat for the house is supplied predominantly by the geothermal field that was created nearby and we designed the lighting to use fluorescent bulbs for energy efficiency but to have soft glass and lenses to soften the coolness of the light and maintain the warm glow of sunshine. The engineered wood floors were selected to help the efficiency of the geothermal in-floor heating system and yet have the aged patina of floors that have been walked on for decades.

The kiva style fireplace in the living room is flanked by a built-in bookshelf on one side which was made on site out of the reclaimed wood used throughout the house. The bookshelf, hearth and mantle were designed to showcase the owners’ collection of antique books, art and pottery. The soft grays, tans, greens and corals of the books are picked up in the pottery and in the furnishings in the room while the Zapotec Indian rug under the coffee table provides a richness of color that is reminiscent of the terra cotta floors in the entry.

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Nichos are both practical and decorative elements in adobe architecture and were originally designed to accommodate everything from built in cabinets to religious artifacts. We incorporated a large arched nicho into the upper hall to hold a beautiful antique cabinet with a rich aqua patina and then placed a few nichos in the main hall that catch your attention with their painted interiors and interesting artifacts.

Connie, Gary, and Ian took a road trip to Santa Fe and Taos during the construction of the home and came back with a wonderful selection of antique shutters and cabinets that we incorporated into the walls as medicine cabinets and as windows between areas to create both passage and interest. The combination of the old architectural elements and the contemporary art with the rich creamy patina of the plaster walls and the reclaimed timbers gives a feeling of timelessness to the design of the home and blends the best of past and present.

Tom and Connie worked well together with a division of areas of responsibility. Tom oversaw the energy portion of the home due to a deep knowledge of the energy industry he had gained during his years as CFO of the GE energy division worldwide. Tom also created a haven on the upper floor that is a masterful blend of function and aesthetic. Serving as office, media room, library and conversation area, the space accomplishes all of the practical aspects and at the same time has a strong sense of character that invites you in and encourages you to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Connie is an artist with a discerning eye for color and composition which she applied to all aspects of the house. The natural materials and the rich colors and textures throughout the home encourage a simple approach to interior design. Connie and Tom’s extensive collection of contemporary art and sculpture finds a perfect backdrop with the clean lines and striking light of the home and at the same time creates an interesting contrast to the old reclaimed wood timbers used for timbers, siding and trim.

The home is a unique blend of elements that come together to create a warm and cozy and yet intriguing atmosphere where there is something to catch your attention around every corner.

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Saddlemire Residence