Black Canyon Builders has built several new custom homes in the past year. While I love the freedom of designing from scratch (so to speak), the challenge of remodeling an existing structure is always a fascinating journey. The owners of our current custom remodel wanted to retain the charm and historically accurate facade of the existing home, while completely renovating the interior to meet their contemporary design aesthetic.
The challenge of this particular property is that it is snuggled in between two existing homes and shaded by a lovely tree-lined street in the front. The property is backed by an alley, and is about a block away from a tall hill beyond which the sun sets. If not accounted for, the home would lack natural light.
We’re maximizing natural light and fresh, circulating air with strategically-placed windows that let the light in and maintain privacy at the same time.
And clerestory windows capture southern light and warmth. Approximately every other window opens for air circulation. The main living space is lighted with these south-facing windows.

See the rectangular clerestory windows in the upper center of the image. This image, shot from the dead center of the house, is lighted with entirely natural sunlight. Bright, no?
The next image shows two of the several skylights in the home. The skylights below are on the north-facing angle of the roof. With Durango’s hot summer season, these will bring in light without heat.
Here is a view of the kitchen (to the viewer’s left of the main entrance) with sheet rock and exposed beams. One the high ceilings make the room feel spacious, and the steep pitch makes it feel cozy and maintains historic accuracy.
And one last detail that maximizes space. The next image shows the fireplace, which is double-sided to warm (and add ambiance to) both the master suite and the main living room.
Keep checking back for more photo updates.
Thanks,
Jared
970.903.9577