The Continental Divide is a mountainous natural beauty spanning the length of North America. Along the divide lies Independence Pass, Colo., a Rocky Mountain byway that is part of a former stage-coach route. At first, this area was utilized for hunting, silver mining, and the eventual construction of inns and rest stops. Today, the area boasts some of the most high-end estates and ranches in the country.
One luxury residential ranch, built just more than 20 years ago, has undergone multiple renovations through the years—all of which have included solid hot-rolled steel windows. The homeowners loved the contemporary aesthetic and durability of the windows.
Most recently, the homeowners, along with Monique Agnew, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Monique Agnew Architecture, aimed to create a new entrance, leading to a contemporary hall that connects to other parts of the home.
“Prior to this renovation, the hallway area was very dark, so I redesigned it with sliding doors instead of solid walls. This allows light to pass through the glass, into the hall and makes a small space appear larger,” Agnew says.
Functional spaces were added throughout the new hall, including a coffee station, day kitchen and closets.
To get as much light as possible into the day kitchen, glass cabinets were precisely engineered and attached to the interior of a solid hot-rolled steel window. In the same glazing style as the hall doors, these cabinets provide a matching aesthetic. The window acts as the wall itself while allowing natural light through and illuminating the room.
The 375-square-foot space was equipped with 60 linear feet of 9-foot, 6-inch-tall solid hot-rolled steel sliding and swing doors with sidelight windows, as well as a 9- by 6-foot solid hot-rolled steel fixed kitchen window.
“The remodeled entryway and hall now have a very sleek and modern appearance. The residents are enjoying the added benefits of a well-lit, inviting area,” Agnew notes.
PHOTOS: Francis Dzikowski Photography
MATERIALS
HOT-ROLLED STEEL WINDOWS AND SLIDING AND SWING DOORS: Hope’s Windows Inc.
