This large mid-century modern gem, built in 1966 by Donald R. Roark, Architect, with about 4,700 square feet, is located in Denver’s post-war Hilltop neighborhood. The house exhibits the signature attributes of the Formalism or “California Modern” style—outdoor living spaces and large expanses of glass; exposed structural elements; simple, clean lines with a minimum of trim and ornament; and similarly designed landscaping. The home has the original Majestic Char-Grill outdoor kitchen. The structure is clearly articulated inside and outside the house. Painted brick piers support large east-west beams, from which are suspended the walls and ceilings. Each interior door forms a plane of solid color with the panel above. These “slabs of color” are a principal design feature, appearing throughout the home.

The home has had only three owners. Most of the original high-quality finish materials—vintage Prescolite lighting fixtures, Nutone intercom system, gold Phylrich Swan and Dolphin faucets, metal Geneva cabinets, the in-floor fountain and glass tile table top, custom walnut cabinets with black Formica, and the outdoor Zen-style water feature—have survived. “Architectural archeology” allowed the 2007 renovation to keep the original mid-century fabric and bring back missing pieces and colors. The color palette was chosen based on original wallpaper discovered during the renovation. Existing materials were restored or reused wherever possible. Vintage or period-correct materials were sourced where necessary.

The renovation included updating with numerous “green” features, including a solar photo-voltaic system, dual-flush toilets and of course the fundamental “green” feature: re-using, not destroying! The house was previously featured in Historic Denver’s MidCentury Modern Homes tour, Atomic Ranch and other design magazines.