SHANGRI LA

Originally designed in 1968 by Charles Haertling, one of Colorado's most talented and under- appreciated architects, this masterpiece was ready for an update. We were flattered to be selected as the design architects. We added a master bedroom suite, enlarged the kitchen, and designed a small roof top pavilion where the owners can enjoy a sunset over the mountains and city skyline.

“I moved here because I’m in love with the mountains. I always imagined if we bought this house, we would build something on top and see out,” he says. “Now I see the mountains at sunrise. I see downtown lit up at sunset. I see lightning storms, and I’ve seen three rainbows at once. I live in an urban treehouse.”

– Ron Guillot, owner

Elements

Cast-in-Place Concrete, Custom Copper Panels, Redwood

Credits

Architecture | RKD Architects, Inc.
General Contractor | Elemental Homes
Interior Design | Mikhail Dantes, D&D Interiors
Photography | David Patterson

Press

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine

From Jack Snow

“I have known and admired Charles Haertling’s work for years. Although he was particularly known for his “organic” designs, I was taken by the breadth of styles that he drew upon to create consistently unique and beautiful work. So when Ron and Ali told me they were purchasing the “Razee House” – an unusually and surprisingly brutalist design in Haertling’s body of work – and asked me to update it for them, it was exciting, inspiring, and a bit daunting.

Early in the process, along with the usual discussions of what Ron and Ali wanted in their new home, we discussed the home as a piece of sculpture. However, while they were aware of and truly respected the legacy of Haertling, they were emphatic that this was their home and it needed to respond to the needs of their family. Truth be told, the home was tremendously outdated and it did not take advantage of the wonderful views and light. Their mandate was actually quite freeing for the design process – I could ignore trying to do what I might imagine Haertling would have done, and design as myself. But interestingly, as the design progressed, the new pieces developed into a sculpture that interlocked and conversed with the original building as a single piece of art. I have no way of knowing, but I hope that this is what Haertling would have wanted – a piece of architecture that respects his vision and brings it into the 21st century.”

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