Category: Architecture

Project Spotlight: Thirsty Pika

A Local Taproom Built for Community

Tucked alongside the Blue River in the heart of Silverthorne, Thirsty Pika offers a fresh take on the taproom experience—laid-back, interactive, and rooted in connection. For us at BHH Partners, this project was especially meaningful. With our office just down the road, we’re proud to play a role in shaping the built environment of our own backyard, helping to design places that bring people together and celebrate the spirit of our community.

A Vision for a Welcoming, Social Space

The concept for Thirsty Pika was centered around experience, creating a casual, approachable place where people could connect, unwind, and try something a little different. From day one, the goal was to move beyond the typical bar model and design a space that invites interaction. Instead of a traditional bar setup, guests pour their own drinks using an innovative self-pour tap wall, offering a unique, flexible, and engaging way to enjoy a variety of craft beers.

That sense of openness and social connection shaped the architecture from the ground up.

Supporting the Experience Through Design

To enhance the self-serve concept, we designed a spacious, open floor plan that makes movement feel natural and intuitive. The space flows easily from the entrance to the taps, with seating options that accommodate both larger groups and more private moments. Whether you’re catching up with friends or stopping in solo, the layout feels welcoming and unforced.

Large windows along the river-facing side flood the space with natural light and anchor the interior to the surrounding landscape. From inside, guests can enjoy views of the river and trails beyond, adding a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors.

The interior embraces a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Clean lines, simple finishes, and a neutral, cohesive palette keep the space bright and flexible, while subtle architectural moments add interest without overwhelming the experience. The design intentionally keeps the focus on people, flow, and function.

Guide to Architectural Design

Your Guide to Architectural Design in the Colorado Rockies

Laying the Foundation for Mountain Living

Designing and building a home in the Rocky Mountains is a unique opportunity—one filled with both excitement and complexity. The region’s rugged terrain, dramatic climate shifts, and distinct regulatory environment demand thoughtful planning and a deep appreciation for the land.

While building in the Rockies presents its share of challenges, it also offers the chance to create something truly extraordinary: a home that embraces the landscape, withstands the elements, and enhances your connection to the natural world.

Site Planning & Terrain Challenges

Mountain properties come with stunning views and a sense of seclusion, but they also call for strategic planning. With a creative, informed approach, you can turn terrain challenges into standout design features:

Slope & Drainage
Homes built on steep sites can follow the natural contours of the land, using terracing, retaining walls, and smart drainage solutions to manage runoff, minimize erosion, and enhance curb appeal.

Balancing Views with Efficiency
A successful design maximizes scenic views while also considering solar orientation, wind protection, and energy efficiency for year-round comfort.

Protecting the Natural Landscape
Thoughtful site placement reduces the need for major excavation and tree removal, preserving the beauty and ecology of your property.

Designing for Mountain Climate

The Rockies are known for their extreme temperature fluctuations, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. Resilient design choices help ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient through all seasons:

Snow Load & Roof Design
Rooflines should be engineered for heavy snow, with appropriate pitch and durable materials like metal to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.

Passive Solar Strategies
Smart orientation, south-facing windows, deep overhangs, and thermal mass materials (like stone or concrete) help regulate interior temperatures naturally.

High-Performance Insulation & Windows
Energy-efficient insulation and triple-pane windows keep your mountain home warm in winter, cool in summer, and quiet year-round.

Structural & Material Considerations

A mountain home should be built to last. Designed to endure harsh weather and harmonize with the natural surroundings:

Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials
Natural stone, reclaimed wood, and metal siding not only provide durability but also help the home blend into its environment.

Fire-Resistant Features
In wildfire-prone areas, non-combustible materials and strategic landscaping (or defensible space) protect your home while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Foundation & Structural Integrity
Sloped lots invite creative solutions—from reinforced foundations to multi-level layouts that celebrate the topography rather than fight it.

Navigating Local Codes & Regulations

Understanding local building codes, zoning, and environmental requirements is essential to keeping your project on track. With the right guidance, the process can be smooth and empowering:

Permitting & Zoning
Mountain towns often have unique guidelines reflecting their character. Partnering with an architect who knows the local landscape can help streamline the process.

HOA & Community Standards
If you’re building in a planned community, aligning with design guidelines ensures your home complements its surroundings and maintains neighborhood harmony.

Wildlife & Environmental Considerations
From migratory routes to native vegetation, building responsibly ensures your home lives in harmony with the ecosystem around it.

Bringing Your Mountain Home to Life

Designing a home in the Rockies is more than a construction project, it’s a personal journey rooted in place and purpose. With the right architectural partner, you’ll move from vision to reality with confidence, creativity, and care.

At BHH Partners, we specialize in custom mountain home design. Our team brings deep expertise in terrain-driven planning, architectural craftsmanship, and the nuances of mountain living. Whether you envision a cozy cabin or a contemporary alpine retreat, we’re here to guide you—every step of the way.

Let’s create a home that captures your vision, honors the land, and stands the test of time in the heart of the Rockies.

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Why Location Matters

Why Location Matters: Finding the Perfect Lot for Your Mountain Home

A mountain home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a retreat shaped by its surroundings, designed to embrace the elements while offering lasting comfort and beauty. At BHH Partners, we have spent decades designing homes that honor the landscapes they inhabit, creating mountain retreats that blend seamlessly with their environment while standing the test of time. Choosing the right location is the foundation of every great home, influencing everything from architectural decisions to everyday living. Whether building new or transforming an existing property, understanding the relationship between home and site is key to crafting a space that enhances both lifestyle and longevity.

Integrating Design with the Land

Every site presents unique opportunities and challenges. A well-positioned home naturally enhances its surroundings, capturing optimal daylight, protecting against the elements, and maximizing views. Rather than reshaping the terrain, thoughtful design embraces the land’s natural contours, ensuring a home that feels connected to its environment.

For new builds, careful orientation influences everything from energy efficiency to privacy. Maximizing passive solar gain, shielding against strong winds, and framing ideal sightlines all contribute to a home that functions seamlessly within its setting. For remodels, strategic changes—expanding glass openings, reconfiguring layouts, or enhancing outdoor spaces—can transform an existing property into something extraordinary.

Unlocking Potential in Existing Homes

In many sought-after mountain communities, prime locations are already developed. Instead of starting from scratch, remodeling allows for the modernization of a well-located home while preserving its unique setting. Whether updating materials, refining floor plans, or reimagining outdoor spaces, a carefully planned renovation can elevate a property’s livability and performance.

Understanding Mountain Building Challenges

A breathtaking setting is just one consideration—buildability is equally important. Mountain construction requires expert navigation of factors like steep terrain, extreme weather, and infrastructure limitations.

Slope & Soil Conditions – Some lots require engineered foundations or retaining walls to ensure stability and longevity.

Weather & Sun Exposure – Thoughtful placement accounts for snow accumulation, wind patterns, and natural heating and cooling.

Access & Infrastructure – Reliable roads, utilities, and year-round accessibility all play a role in a site’s feasibility.

Evaluating a property across multiple seasons helps anticipate any challenges, ensuring a home that remains practical and comfortable year-round. For remodels, these same considerations inform key improvements, from insulation upgrades to drainage solutions.

Extending Living Spaces Outdoors

A mountain home is more than what’s inside its walls. Seamless indoor-outdoor connections enhance the experience of mountain living, whether through expansive decks, covered patios, or strategically placed fire features.

For new builds, site selection directly impacts outdoor design, influencing everything from the placement of terraces to the integration of pathways. For remodels, thoughtful additions—such as heated walkways, enhanced landscaping, or reconfigured seating areas—extend a home’s usability in every season.

Preserving Views and Privacy

A home’s setting is one of its greatest assets, but maintaining unobstructed sightlines and a sense of seclusion requires foresight. Before selecting a lot, key factors to consider include:

Potential for future development that may impact views

Local zoning restrictions and building regulations

Strategic positioning to balance privacy and natural light

Careful planning in new builds ensures that key living spaces take full advantage of the surroundings. In remodels, repositioning seating areas, adjusting window placements, or expanding outdoor access can dramatically enhance a home’s interaction with the landscape.

Finding the Right Balance of Proximity and Seclusion

Every homeowner’s ideal setting is different. Some prefer the energy of a ski-in, ski-out home, while others seek a private retreat. The best location is one that aligns with lifestyle priorities:

For the skier: A home near resort access provides convenience and an active social scene.

For the adventurer: Proximity to trail networks ensures easy access to hiking, biking, and backcountry activities.

For full-time residents: Reliable access to town amenities and infrastructure supports everyday living.

When the perfect location is found but the home itself isn’t quite right, a remodel can offer a tailored solution. The key is balancing accessibility, privacy, and long-term practicality.

Designing for the Land, Building for a Lifetime

A well-chosen site does more than complement a home’s design—it defines how it interacts with the elements, embraces its surroundings, and enhances daily living. At BHH Partners, we believe that architecture should not only respond to the land but celebrate it. With a deep understanding of mountain environments and a legacy of designing homes that stand in harmony with their surroundings, we create residences that are as enduring as they are beautiful.

Creating Something Extraordinary

Bringing a mountain home to life requires expertise, vision, and a deep respect for the landscape. Whether building from the ground up or refining an existing property, BHH Partners is committed to crafting homes that seamlessly integrate with their environment while offering lasting comfort and timeless design. Let’s create a home that honors both your lifestyle and the land it’s built upon.

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BHH Named Top Mountain Architect by Mountain Living

We’re honored to be featured in Mountain Living’s 2025 list of Top Mountain Architects, celebrating the best in mountain design and craftsmanship. This recognition reflects our passion for creating homes that blend seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the high country—spaces that are as inspiring as the landscapes they inhabit.

A huge thank you to our clients, collaborators, and the Mountain Living team for this recognition. Designing mountain homes is more than just our craft—it’s our way of bringing dreams to life in some of the most breathtaking places on earth. Pick up the latest issue to see our work alongside other incredible firms shaping the future of mountain architecture!

2024 Year in Review

2024 Year in Review: A Note from BHH Partners

As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an incredible year filled with growth, creativity, and connection. At BHH Partners, we believe the heart of great architecture is collaboration—whether that’s with our clients, our team, or the mountain communities we’re so lucky to call home.

This year brought us some truly exciting opportunities to do what we love: designing spaces that inspire. From custom homes that capture the spirit of mountain living to thoughtful remodels that breathe new life into cherished spaces, every project was a chance to connect with people, understand their vision, and bring it to life.

We had the privilege of working on some standout developments, like Azure Landing, Sky Haus Marina Lofts, and The Glade. Each project pushed us to balance functionality and beauty while honoring the surrounding landscapes. Lakota Three Peaks, with over 100 thoughtfully planned units nestled into the hillside, was another opportunity to stretch our creativity and showcase what’s possible with intentional design.

We also saw a growing need for commercial and community spaces, especially here in Summit County. Projects like these remind us of the importance of serving the people around us, creating designs that bring elegance and practicality to spaces our neighbors rely on every day.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of this year has been the relationships we’ve built and strengthened—both with our clients and within our own team. We welcomed fresh faces and new leadership, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives to the table. It’s been a joy to see how collaboration and creativity continue to drive our work forward.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue what we’ve started. Whether it’s a mountain retreat, a remodel of a beloved family home, or a dynamic community project, we remain committed to creating spaces that not only look beautiful but feel like they belong—both to the people who live in them and to the landscapes that surround them.

To our clients, partners, and friends: thank you for a fantastic 2024. Your trust, ideas, and enthusiasm are what make our work so rewarding. Here’s to another year of designing, building, and creating spaces we can all be proud of. Cheers to 2025!

Multifamily and Commercial Architecture

SHOWCASING OUR MULTIFAMILY AND COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS IN COLORADO

At BHH Partners, we specialize in architectural designs that not only complement their surroundings but also enhance the communities they serve. From luxurious multifamily homes to innovative commercial spaces in Colorado, our work strikes a balance between practicality and creativity. Below, we’re excited to share some standout projects that highlight how we integrate comfort, functionality, and local character into each design.

Winter Park Multifamily Homes: A New Standard in Mountain Living

Our Winter Park multifamily homes set a new standard for luxury in the mountains. These high-end duplexes offer exceptional comfort and breathtaking views of the nearby ski resort. Facing the challenges of steep terrain, we maintained a consistent design footprint to ensure each unit features panoramic vistas. By choosing natural materials and seamlessly integrating the homes into the hillside, we’ve created a development that blends harmoniously with the landscape and elevates the concept of luxury mountain living in Colorado.

The Breck Theatre: Where History Meets Modern Design

The Breck Theatre is a perfect example of how we blend historical charm with modern functionality. Drawing inspiration from Breckenridge’s rich Victorian and mining cabin heritage, the theatre showcases a Victorian façade paired with reclaimed barn wood. Inside, modern acoustic treatments and seating configurations enhance the audience’s experience. This project is a nod to the past while embracing contemporary design, making it a valuable cultural asset to the local community.

Thirsty Pika: Redefining Social Spaces by the River

Thirsty Pika in Silverthorne offers a refreshing approach to social spaces. Located along the river, this venue features an open-plan layout and an interactive beer-tap system that engages patrons in a unique way. The design effortlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary style, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Expansive windows frame scenic river views, making this commercial project a perfect example of how thoughtful architecture can make social spaces both functional and inviting.

The Silverthorne Pavilion: A Versatile Community Hub

The Silverthorne Pavilion reflects our philosophy of creating adaptable, community-driven spaces. Built using sustainable materials, the pavilion hosts a variety of events and activities. Its versatile design fosters local engagement, serving as a central hub for the community. This project demonstrates our commitment to enhancing communal connections through thoughtful architectural design.

Making a Lasting Impact

From luxurious homes to vibrant community spaces, our projects are crafted to leave a lasting, positive impact. At BHH Partners, we believe in designing architecture that enriches the lives of those who experience it, fulfilling both aesthetic and functional needs.

If you’re looking to bring your multifamily or commercial project to life, we’d love to collaborate.

Parade of Homes 2024

PARADE OF HOMES 2024

The Parade of Homes is a highly anticipated event celebrating the forefront of design and architecture. This year, the 2024 Breckenridge Parade of Homes will feature a standout property built by Pinnacle Mountain Homes, with interiors and furnishings thoughtfully curated by Collective Design, and architecture by the skilled team at BHH Partners. This home offers a fresh perspective on modern mountain living, highlighting unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative use of space.

Nestled in Western Sky Ranch, this home boasts views of Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Tenmile Range. BHH Architects expertly transformed this site to craft the ideal mountain living lifestyle, seamlessly blending modern design with the majestic mountain landscape. The innovative approach features a striking board-formed concrete wall on the lower level, serving as both a functional and visual centerpiece. The ability to integrate bold elements with practical design solutions shines throughout, creating a harmonious balance that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Outside, the home is distinguished by sleek, flat roofs that enhance its modern aesthetic while harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment. The home is also ZERH (Zero Energy Ready Home) certified, reflecting a deep commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability—a priority for everyone involved in the project.

Building in a mountain environment comes with its challenges, but Pinnacle Mountain Homes rose to the occasion, maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction through exceptional communication and trust. Their dedication turned this vision into a reality, delivering a home that offers an extraordinary living experience. By prioritizing clear communication and maintaining a high level of trust throughout the process, Pinnacle ensured that high-quality finishes and superior craftsmanship resulted in a truly remarkable final product that will serve the owners for years to come.

The interiors, designed by Collective Design, are a beautiful reflection of the client’s personal style. The space marries modern elegance with a bespoke approach, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows inviting the natural beauty of the outdoors, creating a light-filled, open atmosphere. Warm wood accents, sophisticated wallpaper, intricately detailed ceilings, and soft furnishings were carefully chosen to refine the home’s character while embodying the client’s distinct personality. The result is a vibrant yet inviting interior, where patterns and textures echo the outdoors, while a clean, sleek design imparts warmth and a sense of lived-in comfort.

We invite you to explore the 2024 Breckenridge Parade of Homes and experience how this home blends cutting-edge design with awe-inspiring mountain views. It’s a chance to see firsthand how a collaborative design-build process, rooted in trust and client satisfaction, can elevate the mountain living experience.

For more information and tickets, please visit the Summit County Builders Association website.

Celebrating a space for family

CELEBRATING A FAMILY RETREAT IN WESTERN SKY RANCH

We’re excited to share that our project has been featured in Colorado Homes and Lifestyles magazine. This special edition highlights our work in creating a family home high above Breckenridge, Colorado, capturing the essence of our vision: crafting a residence that evolves with our client’s family and serves as a backdrop for cherished memories across generations.

Situated on a picturesque 24-acre lot in Western Sky Ranch, this home is a collaboration between BHH Partners, Pinnacle Mountain Homes, and Collective Design. Together, we have brought to life a residence that seamlessly integrates with the breathtaking natural surroundings of Breckenridge.

As per the couple’s vision, BHH Partners designed a linear Mountain Modern abode for their family of four. The home features a flat roof, an open floor plan, and cantilevers on both sides, creating a distinctive silhouette that stretches across the landscape. The use of level 5 drywall finishes, exposed metal beams and concrete, limestone walls, and large-scale floor-to-ceiling windows provides “ski-map views” of the mountains, capturing the natural beauty of the setting.

The design of this home reflects our client’s deep connection to the mountains, embodying a space for gatherings, personal growth, and a lifestyle harmoniously intertwined with nature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Colorado Homes and Lifestyles for this feature. It celebrates not only the vision we brought to life but also the dedication of our talented team and contractors who made this project possible.

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