Project: Kennedy Residence
Architects: Semple Brown Design
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
Photographs by: Ron Pollard Photography, courtesy of Semple Brown Design
Kennedy Residence by Semple Brown Design
The Kennedy Residence is a luxury home built in Boulder, Colorado. It was designed by Semple Brown Design. Set on a 12-acre site, the house is surrounded by soothing ranch lands and it is also very close to the Stone Canyon east of Boulder. But even though it looks as if the site was picked for its spectacular views, the architects say that it is chosen for a more intimate connection with the surroundings.
Immediately, it is noticeable that the plot is populated by elm, spruce and cottonwood trees. The trees aren’t there just for decoration. They played a major role in determining the layout of the house.
The structure itself consists of three different wings that are positioned carefully to avoid destroying the natural maze that the trees create.
From the architects: “Located on 12-acres of quiet ranchland and adjacent to the buff-colored stone canyon bluffs directly east of Boulder, the site for this project was unique in that its orientation was not about distant views, it was about directing energy inward and creating a peaceful intimacy within the site itself.
A heavily wooded pocket of land set the stage for this particular design challenge of weaving the house through a maze of cottonwood, elm, and spruce. The plan was organized in a very organic fashion; three wings (each responding to geometries driven by the mature trees), connected to each other and hinged by public spaces and courtyards.”
“The first wing welcomes guests into the main hallway and acts as a connecting axis into Wings 2 and 3. It provides clear views to the west past the screen porch into the private courtyard and towards the east where it provides seamless and expansive views of the open-space.
The flowing and unobtrusive layout of this wing, allows the kitchen to function as the heart of the house; for the dining room and screen porch to act as extensions of the backyard; and for the living room to peer out over the open vistas and cliffs along Boulder Creek.”
“The second wing emerges from the family room off of the kitchen and bends back to create the children’s rooms and a secluded master suite at the end of a long stone hall. In its flow this wing creates a natural marriage between the public and more private, intimate spaces within the home.
The entry court is framed by a stone wall that bends around the garage, play room, barn, and guest suite creating the third wing.”
