Category: General

Designing for the Slope

Designing for the Slope: Smart Strategies for Building on Mountain Terrain

In Colorado’s high country, some of the most stunning homes are also the most complex to design. Lots with big views often come with steep slopes, tricky access, and a unique set of site challenges. Still, for many homeowners, that perfect piece of land is worth the extra effort. At BHH Partners, we help our clients make the most of their property by planning carefully from the start.

Whether you’re exploring land purchases or already own a lot with unique elevation, there are key factors to consider before building. Having helped families create homes across Breckenridge, Keystone, and Winter Park, we know that every site tells a different story. Here’s how we ensure your home is thoughtfully designed to fit your land, your lifestyle, and your vision.

Terrain is More Than Just a Backdrop

The slope of your lot plays a major role in shaping the design of your home. Flat land is rare in the mountains. Most sites climb or fall quickly, which affects everything from foundation design to overall height.

We often tell clients that for every ten percent of slope, construction costs can increase by roughly ten percent. While this varies depending on site conditions and design goals, it helps explain why early planning and experienced guidance are so important.

Foundations That Fit the Land

The mountain doesn’t move for us, so we design around it. A steep or rocky site might call for a stepped foundation, drilled piers, or even excavation into bedrock. In some cases, entire hillsides are reshaped and reinforced with soil nails to make space for a home.

We work closely with engineers to make sure the foundation is secure and long-lasting. A solid base allows everything else to fall into place, and it’s especially important when you’re building on complex terrain. Getting this part right early on can save time and money as the project moves forward.

Understanding Water, Snow, and Sunlight

In the mountains, gravity always wins. That means we need to think carefully about drainage, water flow, and snow management from the beginning. When snow piles up, it eventually melts, and where that water goes matters.

Our designs take into account roof pitch, overhangs, and where snow will naturally shed. We incorporate waterproof materials, snow fences, and heated gutters to manage runoff safely. The orientation of the home also matters. South-facing driveways and living spaces get more sun, which helps with melting and comfort throughout the year.

Starting With a Walk on Site

One of our favorite parts of the process is meeting clients at the site early on. Walking the land together allows us to see what you see. Which direction are the best views? Where does the sun rise and set? What areas will stay shaded or icy in the winter?

These visits help us understand not just the logistics of the lot, but also your vision for how you want to live there. From there, we can start shaping a design that makes the most of the site’s strengths while planning carefully around any challenges.

Navigating Local Guidelines

Every town and county has its own design standards. These rules affect building height, site coverage, and how homes interact with the surrounding landscape. One of the biggest challenges we see on sloped lots is meeting height requirements, which are often measured from natural grade.

With most mountain homes that are two or three stories, it takes thoughtful design to stay within the rules without compromising the view or interior layout. We’re familiar with the local processes and help our clients move through them smoothly and confidently.

Advice for Buyers and Future Homeowners

If you’re considering a sloped or view-oriented lot, it’s important to weigh both the potential and the complexity. The views may be incredible, but building on challenging terrain often requires more thoughtful planning, engineering, and upfront investment.

These sites can lead to some of the most inspiring homes we’ve had the privilege to design. With the right team and a clear understanding of your goals, we can turn even the most complex lot into something exceptional. We help our clients navigate costs, align expectations, and find creative ways to bring their vision to life.

If you’re starting to explore the idea of building on a mountain lot, we’d love to walk the land with you. The earlier we connect, the more we can uncover; opportunities, challenges, and everything in between. From first conversations to final details, we’re here to design a home that fits the land, your lifestyle, and your future.

Let’s start the conversation.

Modern Mountain Living Above Winter Park

Project Spotlight: Northwoods – Modern Mountain Living Above Winter Park

At BHH Partners, we believe great architecture grows from long-standing relationships and a deep connection to place. That’s exactly what makes Northwoods such a meaningful project for our team. More than a decade in the making, Northwoods represents the evolution of our partnership with a visionary developer and our ongoing work shaping the residential landscape of Winter Park.

A Slope-Side Site with Serious Potential

Our journey with Northwoods began around 2013–2014, when the developer first acquired the land. Sitting just across Highway 40 from the slopes of Winter Park and Mary Jane, the property is perched in one of the most striking and strategic locations in the area. With views that directly frame the ski resort and access to the town’s free shuttle, it offers an experience that feels almost ski-in, ski-out without being on the lift line.

Originally part of a previous phase known as Lakota Summit, the lots were platted for triplex buildings. But as the vision evolved, we saw an opportunity to design something more refined. We created a series of luxury duplexes that would fit the same footprint while elevating the living experience. Nestled into the hillside, Northwoods comprises eight buildings—four upslope and four downslope—strategically positioned to take full advantage of both views and privacy.

Contemporary Mountain Architecture with a Bavarian Twist

The architecture of Northwoods walks the line between mountain tradition and modern expression. Drawing on the charm of a Bavarian ski chalet, we gave the design a contemporary update. Instead of heavy timber, the homes feature exposed steel, and layered in tall glass, clean lines, and crisp detailing that feels both bold and welcoming.

Each unit features floor-to-ceiling windows, with 14-foot floor-to-floor heights that create open, airy interiors and allow natural light to pour in. The low-slope rooflines and generous overhangs frame expansive outdoor decks designed for hot tubs, fire pits, and après-ski gatherings with unbeatable mountain views.

Inside, the sculptural staircase made of steel and glue laminated wood becomes a true focal point, transforming a purely functional element into an architectural statement. These homes also feature private elevators, mudrooms, ski storage, garages, and five spacious bedrooms, striking a thoughtful balance between form, practicality, and luxury.

Designing for the Land

Building on a steep hillside always presents challenges. In the case of Northwoods, we approached it like a design puzzle. It required us to think in three dimensions and unlock creative solutions. The result was something of a Rubik’s Cube, with each unit fitting snugly into its topography, every angle intentional, and every elevation optimized.

Rather than fight the slope, we worked with it, embracing the verticality to create homes with a strong presence, inside and out. The final building was completed in 2024. Today, the project’s owner proudly calls Northwoods home. It’s a fitting conclusion to a project rooted in vision, patience, and trust.

A Broader Legacy in Winter Park

Northwoods is one part of our impact in Winter Park, where we’ve designed 24 duplex buildings across several neighborhoods. Adjacent developments include Lakota Reserve, which is now complete, and the newly launched Three Peaks, a high-end enclave currently under construction. The first of its kind, Building #1, is days away from completion. The new owners could not be more excited. Building’s #5 and #6 have just broken ground this fall. Building #2 will be complete by the end of 2025 with Building’s #3 and #4 following close behind.

As Winter Park continues to grow, we’re proud to be part of a community that is evolving thoughtfully. These homes balance luxury with livability, and mountain style with modern performance.

Northwoods reflects everything we value at BHH. Long-term collaboration, site-sensitive design, and a deep respect for Colorado’s alpine beauty. We’re honored to have helped bring this vision to life and excited to see the next chapters take shape.

Want to learn more about building in Winter Park or explore what’s next in the region? Let’s connect.

Let's connect

Creating Meaningful Commercial Spaces

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating Meaningful Commercial Spaces

Commercial architecture brings community to life. It’s the coffee shop buzzing with morning conversations, the coworking space sparking new ideas, the town hall filled with voices that shape the future. At BHH Partners, we believe great commercial design does more than create a place to do business. It creates a place to belong. From Main Street storefronts to public gathering spaces, we craft environments that reflect the spirit of Colorado’s mountain towns and the people who make them vibrant.

Purpose-Driven Design

Every commercial space has a story. It might be a neighborhood gathering spot, a performance venue, or a lively retail shop. Our purpose-driven design process begins with understanding who will use the space, how they’ll move through it, and the experience it should create. From there, we design forms that meet these needs beautifully and effectively.

While commercial and residential architecture serve different functions, they share a common goal: to create spaces that feel intuitive, welcoming, and well-suited to their users. Commercial projects often involve broader groups, complex systems, and evolving demands. We approach each project with the same care and attention to detail as our homes, balancing efficiency with meaningful experiences.

We see every technical challenge as an opportunity for thoughtful commercial design. A theatre isn’t just seating and sightlines. It’s sound, flow, and atmosphere. A bar isn’t just a counter. It’s lighting, technology, and movement. In every commercial space, we aim to elevate the experience through smart, expressive choices that feel effortless yet intentional.

Commercial Design Rooted in Context

Designing commercial spaces in Colorado’s mountain towns requires deep respect for context – architectural, cultural, and natural. For us, this goes beyond visual fit. It’s about creating commercial architecture that supports local life and business in authentic ways. Drawing from historical styles, local materials, and surrounding landscapes, our designs feel rooted in their setting while serving today’s communities. Whether it’s a corner café, town hall, or small business hub, each commercial project is designed to belong.

A Collaborative Approach

Great commercial architecture is built through collaboration. We work closely with clients, consultants, and communities to ensure every voice is heard and every vision respected. This collaborative mindset leads to thoughtful, inclusive spaces that meet real-world needs.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

Our commercial projects are built to last, both in structure and in meaning. Whether it’s a cozy café, civic pavilion, or bustling retail space, our goal remains the same: to create places where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected.

Explore our multifamily and commercial architecture work to see how our approach transforms spaces and strengthens communities.

If you’re ready to bring your commercial project to life, we’re here to help. Let’s design something impactful together.

At BHH Partners, we believe when commercial architecture is done right, it doesn’t just stand out. It brings people together.