The Hornsilver Residence is set on a tight dense lot where privacy, views, and efficiency of space were key drivers from the beginning. With a limited footprint, the home is stacked vertically, allowing it to extend upward rather than spread outward while still maintaining a strong connection to its site and mountain surroundings.

From the street, the house is intentionally restrained. A front deck with a thick, angled railing creates a layer of privacy between the interior and the public realm. This simple move helps shield the home while still allowing it to feel open and connected. The entry reflects a personal touch from the owners, with a front door handle made from an old ski lift cable, referencing their strong connection to skiing in a subtle and meaningful way.

Because the site is long and linear with homes on 3 sides, outdoor space is carefully composed rather than expansive. A fireplace just off the kitchen is positioned to block direct views of the neighboring property, while still allowing views to the mountain side and the outdoor area to feel usable and connected to the main living spaces. Inside, a glass corner in the kitchen opens the room outward and pulls views into a green landscape, helping the interior feel larger than its footprint.

The home is designed to reach beyond its physical limits through careful framing of views and spatial layering. The surrounding trees play an important role in daily experience, especially in the fall when seasonal color becomes a major visual focus from inside the house.

Material choices help define the character of the home. The same stone is used both inside and outside on fireplaces, creating continuity between interior and exterior spaces. In contrast, the dining area is defined by two strong overhead beams that frame the space and create a clear visual break within the main level.

The primary bedroom and bathroom feel light and open, with a more refined and airy material palette. Unlike the lower level, no reclaimed wood is used here, creating a subtle shift in mood. The wood ceilings add warmth while keeping the spaces bright and calm, reinforcing the sense of retreat.

Overall, the Hornsilver Residence is a compact, vertically organized home that balances privacy, views, and material clarity. It is shaped by a tight site, but expands visually and spatially through careful framing, layered outdoor moments, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Design Team: Hans Berglund, Courtney Gregory

Interiors: Stephanie Lord-Johnson

Contractor: Vail Custom Builders

Structural Engineering: KRM Consultants, Inc

Landscape Design: Ceres+

Photography: Ric Stovall Photography