At the base of the Rocky Mountains, just a short drive from ski resorts and year-round recreational activities, this contemporary Colorado residence is an alpine dream come true. Custom-built for a family of four, the 7,500-square-foot abode offers panoramic views of the mountain range and the lively town below through a striking rear façade of windows and minimal sliding glass walls.
KA Design Works, the Colorado-based architecture firm behind the vision, worked closely with the homeowners to bring their dream home to life. The result is a contemporary living space that makes everyday living feel like a vacation with all the comforts of home.
Modern Mountain Home Design with Minimal Sliding Glass Walls
Mountain Home Design Rooted in Alpine Living and Retreat
Named after the homeowner’s second career as an award-winning distiller, Bourbonhaus sits on a tree-filled 23-acre site just outside Breckenridge. Inspired by both the craft of bourbon and the family’s active lifestyle, the design supports a flexible, family-centered mountain life. Its upper and lower levels support work, recreation, and rest, creating a seamless rhythm for daily life.
“Bourbonhaus is both playful and composed—equal parts family lodge, creative retreat, and modern mountain showcase,” says KA Design Works. “It is crafted to reflect the personality and pursuits of the people who call it home.”
Designing with the Landscape in Mind
Key to the mountain home design was enhancing epic sweeping views of the mountain and valley below. To achieve this, the team at KA Design Works worked with the town of Breckenridge to rotate the original 10,000-square-foot disturbance envelope, orienting the home towards the Tenmile Range and Peak 10. This move also optimized solar orientation, allowing interiors to capture abundant daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding glass walls.
“The time invested in this land-use strategy paid off,” says KA Design Works. “Every major space in the home now embraces the dramatic alpine panorama.”
Minimal Design Elevated by Natural Hues and Textures
For interior designer Twyla Gurlea from ColorView Design, the goal was to create a modern mountain home that felt relaxed, warm, and easy to live in. The interiors were built around a natural, grounded palette with warm wood tones in the ceilings and flooring to create an inviting foundation. “Stone and textured wall surfaces add weight and permanence,” says Gurlea. “Darker accent walls were intentionally introduced to bring confidence and definition to the spaces; they remain earthy and connected to the landscape while adding contrast and visual grounding.”
The interplay of clean metal lines and glass elements balances the home’s warmth, resulting in interiors that feel modern, layered, and carefully curated. For Gurlea, the clean profile of the large minimal sliding glass walls in the living room complements the warm materials and darker accents, reinforcing the open, connected feeling throughout the home.
Cooking and Dining with Panoramic Vistas
The open kitchen and dining areas are welcoming spaces designed for everyday gatherings. The dining room features a long modern table and comfortable chairs set beneath a simple, eye-catching light fixture. Nearby, the kitchen keeps a clean look with sleek cabinets, built-in appliances, and a large island that offers plenty of room for cooking and casual seating.
Expansive windows bring in natural light and frame views of the outdoors, helping open-plan zones feel connected to the surrounding landscape. Together, they create a warm, modern setting that’s ideal for cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family.
“The expansive glass panes and NanaWall sliding glass walls are a central part of the interior experience,” says ColorView Design. “They flood the home with natural light, frame the surrounding landscape, and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.”
Light-Filled Living Spaces for Lounging and Entertaining
The living room centers on a curved, comfortable sofa arrangement overlooking the stunning mountain views beyond. Soft fabrics and warm tones keep the space inviting, while the sleek fireplace adds a modern touch.
A 12.5-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling NanaWall minimal sliding glass walls opens the entire room to the outdoor terrace and living area, creating a seamless flow between the two zones. When open, the outdoor lounge feels like a natural extension of the interior, making the space ideal for relaxed gatherings, quiet mornings, and year-round enjoyment of the scenery.
Minimal Sliding Glass Wall Frame the View
The home’s indoor–outdoor connection is defined by the four-panel cero® NanaWall minimal sliding glass wall measuring 23 feet wide and an impressive 12.5 feet tall. The system’s ultra-slim profiles create clean, uninterrupted sightlines to the mountain range outside. A Higher Weather Performance Sill ensures reliable protection from the elements while still allowing for smooth, effortless operation.
When opened, the large panels easily glide aside to completely remove the boundary between the living room and the outdoor terrace, creating a true extension of the home’s interior space.
“The NanaWall was ideal for its architectural minimalism and performance,” says KA Design Works. “Perfectly aligning with the home’s goal of seamless indoor-outdoor integration, unobstructed alpine views, and energy efficiency.”
Energy-Efficient Year-Round Comfort
The NanaWall minimal sliding system is designed to keep the home comfortable throughout the seasons, even in Colorado’s snowy climate. Its double-glazed panels provide excellent insulation, helping maintain indoor temperatures and reduce energy use year-round. The Performance sill adds an extra layer of protection against wind, moisture, and drifting snow, ensuring the living spaces stay warm and draft-free.
“For the extensive glazing, the NanaWall system was selected for its strong thermal performance,” says KA Design Works. “Solar panels and closed-cell spray foam insulation throughout the building shell further provide for sustainable performance.”
Cozy Bedrooms and Guest Rooms Invite Retreat
The primary suite on the main floor offers a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding trees. Large windows and a private balcony bring the outdoors in, while warm wood accents, soft textures, and a spacious layout create a calm, inviting atmosphere. The en-suite bathroom continues this relaxed feel with a soaking tub positioned to take in the views and clean, modern finishes throughout.
On the lower level, two en-suite bedrooms and a built-in bunk room provide comfortable accommodation for family and visitors. Each room is designed with the same attention to light, warmth, and natural materials, ensuring every guest enjoys a cozy and welcoming stay.
Lower-Level Amenities Abound
The lower level is designed as a hub for gathering, entertainment, and wellness. A well-appointed family room with plush sectional seating overlooks the ski slopes, creating a comfortable spot for movie nights or casual hangouts. Just steps away, a full bar anchors the game room, complete with open shelving, backlit displays, and a large island for hosting. Behind the bar, a temperature-controlled wine room, mixing lab, and hidden speakeasy reflect the homeowner’s passion for craft spirits.
For everyday health and wellness, a glass-enclosed home gym with direct access to the outdoors, along with a relaxing sauna, provides a spa-like retreat after a day of outdoor fun.
Final Thoughts
This Colorado architectural masterpiece brings together modern mountain home design, contemporary functionality, and a deep connection to its surroundings. From the expansive NanaWall minimal sliding glass walls that perfectly frame the views and open the living spaces to the outdoors, to the warm interior palette and tailored family amenities, every detail supports a lifestyle centered on comfort and connection to nature. The result is a home that feels both elevated and effortless, celebrating its setting while providing a welcoming retreat for family and guests.
Discover how NanaWall sliding glass walls elevate indoor-outdoor living, even in the coldest environments, in our inspiring project gallery!
