Among the newer homes in Aspen’s chic West End, one, in particular, stands out as much for
what it’s not as for its gracious character. The house blends Swiss chalet and contemporary
design, so perfectly integrating with its environment that you could easily assume it’s been there for quite some time.

The secret to making a new house like this one look old? it’s all in the wood. It really creates a
sense of place and human scale like no other material. The warm and inviting nature of Old
World materials mixed with contemporary textures draws guests to linger in its spaces.

Chalissima was invited in to ensure the Alpine authenticity of both materials and craftsmanship.

The goal was to achieve that “Swiss vibe” without copying what was done in Switzerland but to
reinvent the way the ideas were applied and absorbed into Aspen local architecture.

The exterior wood cladding is a 300 years old axe hewn sunburned Alpine pine that will weather naturally in Aspen high and dry climate.

Over the garage, the roof is clad in hand-chipped Norwegian slate, a material typically found on Alpine chalets.

As one enters the home, a visual rhythm created by material, texture, and light takes hold.
Layers of hard-edged blackened steel are interspersed with a palette of wood, plaster, stone,
and glass to create a light and airy atmosphere that is sophisticated yet decidedly understated. In the transition from one room to another, these same elements applied in different manners
becomes important to the visual experience. A harmonious marriage of similar materials is
integral to the warmth of a home.

All of the wood was milled in Switzerland, with an insistence on staying true to tradition, using
authentic wood coming out of chalets and barns in the Alps.

Like many mountain ski houses, this one was designed for entertaining. It fits naturally within the neighbourhood, but varying roof heights among different sections of the house add character and interest, while a semi-open floorplan on the main floor lends both intimacy and flexibility. At the centre of the home, the glass elevator serves all three stories, running from a basement— with five bedrooms, a large gym, and a game room—to the upper-level master suite. A glass-panelled railing surrounds a deck off the suite, creating a treehouse-like feeling. On the main story, wood-panelled corridors, accented with blackened steel and painted black plaster, frame the forested flanks of Shadow Mountain, visible through the living room’s floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows. A floating glass fireplace creates a semi-transparent screen between the living and dining rooms.

The living room, with its luxurious velvet and leather furnishings, focuses activity and
conversation inward. With this project, we were able to craft a new design legacy, one that blends exquisite Swiss detailing with elements that are uniquely Aspen.