An existing log cabin, built in the 1940s, was preserved and incorporated into the overall aesthetic of this property in Strawberry Park
For Steamboat Springs native Libby and her husband Mark, finding their forever home in Libby’s hometown was their top priority. They discovered the ideal long-term plot of land, abundant in history and potential. The couple understood that their new home needed to blend both the past and the present.
The Strawberry Park lot featured a charming log cabin from the 1940s with picturesque views and a rich history. The couple reached out to us while living in Europe, intent on preserving the cabin while creating a new forever home that would serve their family for generations to come.
Honoring the Past While Building for the Future
The modern home’s exterior showcases how our design team seamlessly blended contemporary elements with rustic-inspired materials, creating a structure that both stands out in and harmonizes with its natural setting.
“This beautiful property posed a challenge for our team due to the historic building on-site and a winding road leading directly to the home site. Our goal was to maximize the views of the ski mountain and surrounding peaks like Soda and Buff Mountains,” says Brandt Vanderbosch, principal and founder of Vertical Arts. “To ensure we captured every view, our team designed a pitched roof that created a corner view in the great room, along with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the entire south-facing public living spaces, resulting in a modern corner that provides uninterrupted views from all angles.”
Drawing inspiration from the historic features of the existing buildings, this new 3,800-square-foot home showcases rustic-inspired siding and pitched roofs. An additional two-story structure contains a guest suite and a woodworking shop.
The owner’s craftsmanship is evident throughout the home, adding layers of personalization. His handcrafted dining table, crafted from reclaimed timber, anchors the dining area with its rich patina and organic edges—a testament to the owners’ dedication to authentic materials and craftsmanship.
A Balance of Grandeur and Intimacy
Floor-to-ceiling glass in the living room maximizes views toward Soda and Buff mountains and Mount Werner. Handcrafted wood accent chairs built by the homeowner add personal character to the space.
Key considerations for the owners during the design process included the choice of materials, particularly the combination of rolled steel and wood. These elements were significant in connecting with the site and honoring the history of the home’s location.
The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas showcase rolled steel, thick wood trim, large glass windows, and high ceilings that contribute to a spacious atmosphere.
Rather than abrupt divisions, our team created a subtle flow using ceiling height variations, material changes, and strategic lighting that guides residents and guests through the home’s different moods and functions. For example, other parts of the home provide cozier spaces with narrower hallways that are illuminated by large windows, enhancing natural light and truly making the most of every square inch.
Natural Materials and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
This innovative corner window design was specifically engineered to capture panoramic views that would otherwise be impossible with traditional window placements.
In line with the emerging 2025 design trends favoring more natural materials and rustic elements, the couple chose to extensively use reclaimed wood and stone both indoors and outdoors. This approach perfectly aligns with current trends in mountain design—a resurgence of rich wood interiors, natural stone, and settings that exude intimacy and coziness.
One particularly striking element is the home’s use of locally sourced stone for the fireplace and exterior accents. These stones, reminiscent of those found on the historic cabin, establish a visual dialogue between the old and new structures.
The home’s wrap-around patio, directly accessible from the main living area, serves as an extension of the interior spaces, featuring an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. This design creates additional living space while preserving a connection to the natural surroundings.
The Future of the Property
While the main residence is finished, the couple continues to develop their property, with the renovation of the historic 1940s cabin in progress.
This project beautifully illustrates how thoughtful architectural design can honor historical elements while creating modern, functional spaces that will serve a family for generations to come. The balance of traditional and contemporary—a theme we explored in our Two Distinct Visions article earlier this year—remains a hallmark of Vertical Arts’ residential work.
Want to see more examples of how we blend history, functionality, and mountain aesthetics in our residential designs? Check out our portfolio here.