Sunshine Canyon House

Sunshine Canyon House stands on an alpine hillside above Boulder, Colorado, on a site reshaped by wildfire that erased a historic cabin and century-old trees. The resulting treeless landscape recalled Boulder’s early mining and agricultural era, providing the design’s inspiration. A gabled roof and rugged materials recall that vernacular, while exposed beams, rusted steel cladding, and oversized barn doors tie the home to its rural roots and create a fire-resistant, low-maintenance shell. A 3.6 kW photovoltaic array, efficient electric appliances, and all-LED lighting make the home net-zero electric. Closed- and open-cell insulation, triple-pane low-e windows, and rolling shutters stabilize indoor temperatures. A high-efficiency boiler, hydronic radiant floors, and a wood stove provide heat, while an open plan with opposing windows brings in daylight and natural ventilation.