Sunset's Rocky Mountain idea house

Sunset, Sept, 2000 by Ann Bertelsen

Other getaway realms include the loft and the lower level. The lower floor, which houses the boy's and girl's bedrooms, media room, kitchenette, and wine cellar, can also function as an in-law unit, thanks to easy access to the outdoors.

These relaxed spaces shifted Neuman's color wheel into high gear. In the boy's bedroom, sepia-glazed red walls make a striking backdrop for stunning black-and-white cowboy photographs. The lush blue of the girl's bedroom is a vibrant setting for white and red accents in bedding and window shades.

The loft at the top of the staircase is perhaps the most contemporary room in the house, with its intense mix of blues, yellows, chrome, and black. In addition to the modern artwork, glass-topped table, and upholstered chairs, the room includes a slick pull-down Murphy bed and a modern bowl-shaped sink on a tiled counter.

Outside, the tradition-meets-today theme is particularly apparent in the house's composite decking material, which steps down the slope from the rear, view-oriented facade. Made from recycled plastic grocery bags and wood fibers, it won't weather or rot. The dining porch off the breakfast nook offers a sheltered space for cooking and eating while enjoying the view. As architect Arlo Braun put it, "You could even eat here during a thunderstorm!" Indeed, no matter what the weather, this home turns Western living into a peak experience.

the floor plan

You can purchase this flexible plan, which is appropriate for a sloping lot and encourages use of the outdoors. It's available in two versions: The smaller plan is 3,872 square feet on two levels; the larger is 4,818 square feet on three levels, including a daylight basement. Key features of both versions include entry tower, great room, breakfast nook with office niche, butler's pantry, formal dining room, study, master suite, family foyer, powder room, multilevel dining and entertaining decks, loft bedroom and bath, and split garages. cost for the larger plan is $719 for the first set of blueprints, $744 for four sets, $789 for eight sets. Prices are somewhat lower for the smaller plan. There are additional costs for shipping, handling, and applicable taxes.

Planning for universal design

The concept of universal design goes beyond building in wheelchair accessibility. It's about planning rooms to function comfortably and efficiently for occupants of all ages and degrees of mobility. It deals with incorporating flexibility in the design so that a house can accommodate changing needs.

Our Rocky Mountain Idea House is a case in point: We wanted it to be "the only house you'll ever have to own," meaning that you could live there well into your later years. Among the features that make it suitable for older people: The master bedroom is on the ground floor, and the kitchen is particularly user-friendly.

Key universal design features in our Idea House kitchen

* Designers Steve Neuman, Mary Jo Peterson, and Tern Berlage built the Idea House kitchen around what's called "the 15- to 48-inch reach range." From a standing or sitting position, most people can comfortably reach a maximum of about 48 inches.