Firm Credit: Fritzlen Pierce Architect
Description
This is an overbuild of an outmoded, but beloved, vestige of Vail’s early ski bum days. This project required skilled diplomacy to negotiate a program for the new owner of the commercial space with the existing residential condominium owners. The complex ownership structure required many months of discussion and design iterations to achieve the ultimate outcome, all while navigating the Town of Vail planning and design review process.
Design Features
Richly colored and textured stone, wood and stucco complement to the Alpine context. New retail (Loro Piana) at ground level features a wide expanse of windows to the street. The offices upstairs enjoy a generous balcony overlooking the busy street corridor below.
Sustainable Practices
60% of the 50 year old wood frame structure was preserved. The upgrading to the current energy and building codes involved the use of local materials, high efficiency HVAC systems and structural reinforcing floors and columns.
