Starting with the small grove that signifies the beginning of fall, the Aspen leaves transform from lively green to a combination of bright yellow and golden orange as they prepare for the relentless mountain winter. Their contrast with the dark evergreens painted on the mountains adds to the enchantment of VISION House Mariposa Meadows.
Just as the leaves change, phase one of Mariposa Meadows is wrapping up at the 122-acre inholding in the Gunnison National Forest. Owners Sara Gutterman and Ron Jones have longed for this moment since purchasing the property in 2014. Aiming to preserve the property’s wildness and natural habitat, the pair went on a quest to showcase the possibilities of sustainable building practices.
Currently, there are three buildings on the property–warmly embraced by an aspen forest. Jones meticulously designed the buildings to each have a perfect view unobstructed by the road.
To make this off-grid, net-zero project possible, the homes utilize a collection of top-of-the-line and innovative products from companies looking to positively impact the environment. They work in harmony together to form a smart and efficient home system.
As you drive up the winding road to the property nestled in the trees, you will instantly feel the connection with nature. The expansive 1,500-square-foot deck by Trex invites guests to absorb the surrounding magnificence and embrace the healing powers of Mother Nature.
The neutral James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim and wainscoting by Creative Mines complement the neighboring aspen trunks and speckled rocks, acting as a continuation of nature’s creations. The vertical board-and-batten siding is fire resistant and durable, while its solid color qualities and dimensional stability eliminates cracking or peeling.
Behind the three buildings is an impressive display of JinkoSolar’s EAGLE bifacial solar panels. The 13 Kw array provides enough energy to power the three homes on even the coldest nights. Schneider Electric inverters, Blue Planet Energy battery storage system, and Kohler generator enable the buildings to be fully self-sufficient.
As you walk into each home, you’ll notice how the light spills in through the sweeping windows. The European-style Tilt and Turn windows and patio door from Euroline move in unique positions to make the most of fresh air–rain or shine!
The Whirlpool appliances add a sleek touch to the space, with each house showcasing a different finish–stainless steel, white and black.
Quartz countertops from Caesarstone, molded with resin and pigments, are subtly textured for a uniquely natural design… sans the environmental impact.
Kohler’s faucets and single-basin apron sinks add style and functionality to the kitchens. They are easy to clean and will look like new for years to come.
The unparagoned LED light fixtures from Lamps Plus save energy while adding sophistication and elegance to the interior and exterior spaces.
The one-of-a-kind dining tables from Deadwood Revival display beautiful urban lumber. Once destined for the landfill, these masterpieces celebrate each tree’s unique character while storing carbon and giving a second life to quality lumber.
The unique finishes and bold grain of Aronson Woodworks furniture add to the natural aesthetic of VISION House at Mariposa Meadows. The hand-finished pieces made from salvaged Ash use contrasting paints and centuries-old wood joinery techniques, and are sealed and preserved with low-VOC Claize.
For the bedrooms, Deadwood revival provided custom crafted beds, dressers, side tables, and nightstands. Each piece highlights the wood’s natural beauty, including insect holes and burrows and “live-edge” bed frames.
Delta Millworks provided exquisite engineered wood floors. Each building boasts a different color floor, which ties the room together and brings a sense of calmness.
Accent walls in the bedrooms and sitting rooms were finished with colored drywall joint compound by Fresco Harmony. The walls are tastefully textured, standing out against the adjoining white walls and bringing a sense of serenity to the spaces.
Trustile doors are exceptionally designed to be sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable. The homes feature paint grade and stained wood interior doors with elegant copper, glass, and leather inserts.
Schlage locks add to the technologically advanced home system. Guests can be provided their own codes, which can be erased once the guest departs. The locks can be accessed remotely by the owners to ensure that doors are locked when the buildings aren’t occupied.
The eye-catching spiral staircase in the Aspen Cabin leading to the upstairs bedroom adds a distinct architectural flare.
Lee Industries has provided furniture, including dining chairs, sitting chairs, benches, and a chaise. The pieces are upholstered in beautiful, natural non-toxic fabric and designed to make a statement.
Fun times filled with singing and dancing are inspired by Sonos’s multiple speakers throughout each home – using sound therapy to set the mood at the getaway retreat.
As a finishing touch, Jones saved a mount from 35 years ago in the Iris Studio kitchen, a reminder of the multitude of deer, elk, moose, and other animals who call the meadows home.
Adventure awaits deep in the serene and picturesque Colorado mountains. To learn more about the VISION House Mariposa Meadows, subscribe for project updates, visit https://www.greenbuildermedia.com/vision-house-mariposa-meadows.