Many buyers want the instant gratification of an express build home, but for those willing to put in the time, say about two years, the result can be spectacular.
By investing in the right contractors to bring their vision to life, a local couple realized their dream home in Timnath. Their dream-team was found in Brannen Design and Construction, David Hueter Design and Ashley Campbell Interior Design. The look they achieved was dubbed ‘Modern Escape,’ and the home lives up to the hype–a true masterpiece in modern design.
“Most people think they want a modern home, but when presented with the design elements, they stop just short of that,” says Brannen. “This client went all the way, and the result speaks for itself.”
Brannen’s team partnered with Ashley Campbell Design of Denver to create the interior oasis that makes this home feel like an ‘escape.’ “When guests come to stay with us, we love that they feel like they’re at a spa. We are very happy with the way everything came together,” the homeowner says.
The waiting period doesn’t have to be painful. Thanks to high-end 3D modeling software Hueter utilizes, you can experience your home, with furnishings, before a shovel ever touches the ground. This can serve as a visual reference throughout the process, so your patience is tempered by keeping the end goal in sight.
The homeowners were an integral part of the design process from the moment they partnered with Brannen and Hueter. “We are client-driven. There are no egos here. We aren’t going to live in their home–we’re here to make their vision a reality,” Hueter explains. “This particular client was open to more progressive ideas and had an extensive architectural vocabulary which made this project an exciting challenge.”
Each home built by Brannen and Hueter is designed based on the client’s budget and the lot itself. The Modern Escape lot has some dramatic views that Hueter incorporated into his design. “When journeying through a home, there should be visual interest at every angle, connecting the outside in and the inside out,” says Hueter.
Hueter and Brannen are longtime friends and colleagues, with a great admiration and respect for one another, and that works in the homeowner’s favor. The duo has built many homes together and look forward to many more in the future.
“When we are working with a plan from David, we know there will be no detail left out and the job will go smoothly and without a hitch,” Brannen says. “David listens to his clients and is always patient and eager to make sure their plan is perfect, and they are comfortable with every detail.”
The owners of Modern Escape wanted their home to be serene, starting with the entrance. “We commissioned artist Stephen Shachtman [of Schachtman Studios] to design and create a custom bronze water feature as the centerpiece of our five-fountain courtyard,” the homeowner says. “We originally considered a shallow water feature [a reflecting pool] along the walkway, but Brannen was incredibly honest with us about price to value. It would have been like putting in a second pool that we couldn’t actually use.”
Justin Howie of Deep Seeded Landscaping implemented each of the fountains, as well as all of the exterior hardscape, using Belgard pavers, and eco-friendly xeriscape. The front steps of the home are featured in the current Belgard catalog—a national publication.
“What’s great is that when the weather is warm enough, we can open our windows and hear the fountains, giving us that calming feel we were looking for,” the homeowner says.
Designing a contemporary home in a mountain town that leans more toward a nature-inspired feel can be tricky.
“They pushed the modern design elements like quartzite walls in the kitchen and bathrooms, and steel high beam ceilings, but added that Colorado touch with flush walnut cabinetry and interior stone,” Brannen says. “All of the materials need to work together so nothing feels out of place.”
The massive, solid walnut pivoting entrance door opens to a foyer with artwork from the homeowner’s collection, tastefully displayed to soften the stark interior lines. In the powder room you will find a Lumicor architectural resin wall, handcrafted with organic material and metals from around the globe. This adds a one-of-a-kind aesthetic to the space and a definite conversation starter.
In the living room, the fireplace’s walnut-paneled mantel stretches up to touch the second-tier instep of the ceiling. The ceiling itself is comprised of sleek black steel beams that offset the warm, hand-crafted woodwork and crisp white paint. Large windows line the home like glass walls, displaying a vast green golf course with foothills backdrop. In the center of the home, a grandiose wine cellar bursts through the main floor into the lower level.
“While this isn’t the first time that we have done this, it was one of the more challenging ones,” Brannen says. “It’s much harder to cool a wine cellar in the center of a home.”
The result was not only a functional wine cellar, but an eclectic design element: a glass wall full of bottles stretching to both levels of the home. Step into the downstairs cellar to find a hidden, intimate wine tasting room that Hueter designed from leftover space that would have otherwise become storage.
Need an infrared sauna in your home gym? They’ve got that too! “We actually put in the sauna first and then Jay [Brannen] incorporated it into the layout,” the homeowner says.
Walk out back to find an entertaining space like no other, complete with a built-in grill and pizza oven, fireplace, mounted television, steel beam suspended pergola with attached heaters, ample seating, adjoining hot tub and year-round pool, and expertly designed, eco-friendly xeriscaping.
“We have a genuine love for what we do,” says Brannen of himself and wife Melissa of Birch Interiors. “Even when we go on vacation, we tour homes just for fun.”
Brannen Homes was one of the first companies to build at Harmony Club, where Modern Escape is located, and has continued to build in the neighborhood. “I actually live in Harmony Club as well. I truly believe if you can live next-door to your clients, that’s a testament to how quality your work is.”
“Jay was honest and humble, professional and fair,” the homeowner says. “When delays came up, as they always will when building a home, he was quick to communicate.”
Hueter designed a dream-worthy home that Brannen and his team, including Melissa Brannen, Jenni Fielder and project manager Curt Nelson, executed beautifully.
“We are so happy with our home and it’s great to see this team get the recognition they deserve,” the homeowner says.
– Photos by Nic Rentfrow –
