Private House, Colorado

This architectural concept focuses on framing panoramic views while maintaining a strong structural composition

Climate: Cold alpine winters with heavy snow…high solar exposure at elevation…strong seasonal temperature variation typical for Colorado mountain environments. 

Project Type: Knoll Estates is a custom single-family mountain residence designed to maximize views of the surrounding alpine landscape while maintaining thermal performance for high-altitude climates. 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTENTION
Strong vertical glazing…panoramic mountain views…large sliding doors…matte black aluminum frames…roof-aligned triangular windows…stone and wood mountain façade elements. Large glazed openings were incorporated to create visual continuity between interior living spaces and the mountain environment. 

Key design elements include: 

• Large triangular glazing aligned with the roof pitch
• Wide sliding doors opening toward terraces and outdoor spaces
• Tall vertical windows emphasizing the height of interior spaces 
• All aluminum profiles in RAL 9005 matte black, supporting wood, stone, and other dark elements used throughout the residence 

Primary solutions used in the residence include: 

TECHNICAL SCOPE & SPECIFICATIONS

• 29 aluminum constructions installed across the residence
• Total glazing surface area reached approximately 120.8 m²
• Sliding doors up to: 12 ft 6 in × 9 ft

Key glazing specifications include: 

• Triple glazing configuration: 6T / 12 / 6T / 12 / 6T
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of approximately 0.31
• Glazing layouts incorporating large picture windows, triangular rake-head glazing integrated with the roof structure 
  and vertical panoramic windows in stair and living areas 

These configurations were designed to maximize daylight and mountain views while maintaining structural and thermal performance. 
 
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Mountain residential construction introduces few challenges related to glazing solutions including:

• Maintaining thermal efficiency in cold alpine conditions
• Managing large glass units in high-altitude construction environments
• Integrating large glazing elements with steep roof geometry
• Coordinating installation logistics for oversized units in a mountain location 

To facilitate safe transportation and installation, some assemblies needed to be delivered in knock-down configurations, while operable door panels were delivered assembled and glazed. 
 
WHY YAWAL USA SOLUTIONS WERE CHOSEN

1. Ability to combine large-format glazing capability with thermal performance suitable for demanding climates
2. Thermally insulated aluminum profiles
3. Compatibility with large sliding door configurations
4. Flexibility in accommodating custom architectural geometry
5. Durability and weather resistance required for mountain environments
6. Matte black aluminum finish aligned with architectural design language of the residence

FINAL RESULT
This residence demonstrates how modern aluminum glazing solutions can be successfully integrated into high-end mountain architecture. The final façade is defined by matte black aluminum window frames, large panoramic views, roof-aligned triangular window compositions and wide sliding doors connecting interior spaces with exterior terraces.  The glazing does not overpower the building’s stone and wood structure. Instead, it frames the surrounding mountain landscape and enhances the architectural rhythm of the residence.

This project illustrates how large-format aluminum windows and sliding door solutions can support both architectural design intent and environmental performance in alpine residential construction.