Stillwater Affordable Housing Project - Pitkin County, Colorado

Years back, Green Line Principal, Steve Novy, was project architect on an affordable housing project on the outskirts of Aspen.  It was part of a subdivision created by the legendary architect Fritz Benedict.  He and his wife Fabby dedicated a sizable portion of land, right along the Roaring Fork River east of Aspen, to affordable housing.

Perspective Rendering of Neighborhood

The county wanted to create comfortable, aesthetically appropriate homes that were energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive, and healthy - with clean indoor air.  We established a program that included 17 units, a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts.  
One of the wealthy neighbors objected to the project, and held County to the letter of the law with regard to a "natural materials setback."  There was a setback in which only natural materials were allowed.  We didn't see this as a problem, since we were using all natural materials.  Or, so we thought.  It was argued that the composite roofing is not natural, and the only truly natural roofing material that could be used was slate tiles!  (not exactly an appropriate material for an affordable housing project)

Site Plan - showing 17 units

The project was built...   at 13 units, and it has gotten rave reviews.

In fact, it was reported in todays' Aspen Daily News that Pitkin County commissioners will be using this project as a model for new affordable housing projects they will be building in the near future.  Aspen Daily News Article.

Here's what they said:
"The commissioners agreed that the ideal investment would be to buy land and then build new housing on it, modeled after the county’s 13-unit Stillwater project east of Aspen."

Duplex West Elevation

Pitkin County First to Require Neighbor Review of Solar Panels

Getting a building permit in Pitkin County has just gotten more complicated.   Pitkin County now requires neighbor review of solar panel installations larger than 200 square feet.
The bureaucracy grows...   For us architects, it is both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing in that the myriad of codes and regulations does in fact provide us with more work, but a curse in that it slows down, and in many cases jeopardizes our projects.

Pitkin County First to Require Neighbor Review of Solar Panels - Aspen Daily News Article

So, its healthy and fun in the Roaring Fork Valley?

Here is an article from the Post Independent today.
Glenwood Springs will be featured as the Most Fun Town in the US for Rand McNally's 2013 road map.

I keep telling you all to move out this way!!

Go by the Gear Exchange and tell them you're looking for a good time!

Colorado mountain living adds years to your life!

It would make sense that people who live in healthy environments and who live a healthy lifestyle would live longer, and this study from the University of Washington helps to confirm that suspicion.  Living a healthy mountain lifestyle truly adds years to your life! 

For those who are considering a move or a lifestyle change, it would seem an obvious choice to buy or build a home in one of our mountain communities, stay active and buy some time!

Carbondale, Colorado is probably the best choice.  Not technically in Pitkin County, but just as healthy, maybe healthier!  Just come by and check it out.  You'll see.


LINK to Denver post article.


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Green Line Architects specializes in healthy, efficient, new home designs, additions and remodels.  Call for a free consultation.

What does an architect do?

Here is a great diagram showing the entire design process.  Take a look.  The items in blue are fairly well understood, but maybe not the rest!

For example, have you considered having your architect accompany you to view potential building sites or existing homes?  If not, maybe you should consider it.  Who better than an architect to help you evaluate a piece of property before you buy it!  Most architects will do it for free, in the interest of getting their clients the best possible building site, and in the interest of getting the design work!

Post-Construction Evaluation! - Now, that's one of the most important ones, and we haven't been hearing about it much.  Knowing whether you've got a functional building and that the owner is satisfied are terribly important points.  Don't you think!?

Green Line Architects in the Press

Here is a nice business brief that was published in the "Inside Business" section of both the Aspen Times and Glenwood Post Independent:

Caltech’s Laboratory to be First LEED Platinum Lab

Link to article.

Great article by Cam Burns!