The heart of relaxation in this peaceful woodland retreat perched above the Roaring Fork River is the Finnish sauna experience. From the centrally-located sauna and cold plunge, the architecture bends and stretches along the riparian corridor. Exterior spaces emerge along its perimeter to capture sounds and glimpses of the sparkling water far below. Informal paths feel more like evolution of use rather than devised, to preserve the experience of the wild and enhance the privacy of the sauna. Walls and pavement are employed as minimally as necessary to create simple, comfortable spaces. Views from the house are therefore allowed to extend from foreground into woodland without interruption.

Trees are also placed sparingly to filter spaces without detracting from the experience of the river. Deciduous shrubs are selected for their winter stem color or other features that are revealed when leafless. A loose grid of perennials and grasses featuring vibrant fall foliage or late-season blooms fill the clearing but leave plenty of openings for seed mixes to intermingle. The landscape is intended to naturalize over time, allowing the carefully planned to be enhanced by the wild.

Collaborators: Menendez Architects, Pinnacle Design, Resource Engineering Group, Alpenglow, Koru, Landscape Workshop, Diamond Spas