Serene Aspen Home Blends Art, Nature, and High-Performance Design

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A family from Northern California commissioned Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects to design their new primary home in Aspen's historic West End neighborhood. The resulting 7,125-square-foot residence, called Smuggler, features a pale upper volume that appears to float above a grounded base of rough-textured basalt stone, creating a serene silhouette against the alpine backdrop. The design uses fritted glass panels and perforated screens to filter the high-altitude sun, protecting sensitive artwork while illuminating the interiors.

Why it matters

Smuggler demonstrates how high-performance, art-filled homes can be thoughtfully integrated into historic neighborhoods, respecting the local context while providing modern amenities and sustainable features. The project's blend of aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility serves as a model for luxury mountain retreats.

The details

The home's material palette, with basalt stone wrapping both exterior and interior walls, blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Guest quarters are tucked below grade to maintain a modest street presence. A glass-lined stairwell pulls sunshine deep into the house, ensuring it feels bright even in winter. Operable windows encourage natural ventilation, while a discreet solar array and battery backup can power essential systems, including snow-melting surfaces, for several days.

• The home was completed in March 2025.