Category: Design

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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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.