Studiotrope Design Collective has focused their energy in improving publicly owned facilities.  Here is an amazing example of a public library in Denver’s Five Point neighborhood.  According to Modern in Denver, “Library projects comprise a large part of SDC’s workload. In the past four years, SDC has been brought in on several major library renovations and the studio has also authored Denver Public Libraries program for Contemporary Service Styles, as well as a program plan for CSU’s Morgan Library, recommending an overhaul of their 270,000 square foot interiors.”  With the emphasis on modern technology and fun color palette, this library soars above any others I have seen recently.

Check out the space:

Source: Modern in Denver

Denver is the quintessential American city. It was a rugged western city, a pioneer vacation retreat, and now it has refashioned itself as a major 21st century metropolis. Denver’s contemporary homes and the city’s modern architecture reflect an appreciation for the environment and making use of sustainable materials. It also exposes the world to the many creative minds designing and building some of the most appealing modern architecture in Denver.

The Ozowa Residence:

This phased remodel transformed a typical 1950s suburban ranch house into a contemporary neighborhood icon. Definition was added to the low ranch by adding two tall “book end” volumes to each side. The project focused on defining form through materials that both compliment and juxtapose with the existing.

Phase I construction included a garage extension, exercise loft above a new 2 story family room and a 2nd level deck.

Phase II expand the master bedroom into a new master suite; a 2 story volume that captures day light from three directions while providing vistas of the distant lake and the private backyard.

About Roth Sheppard Architects:

Our collaborative design process stimulates exploration of the known and unknown to uncover opportunities. Through rigorous analysis, these opportunities provide the framework for transforming conventional problems into inventive solutions.

While problem solving addresses the pragmatic, innovation allows for discovery of the unknown. From regional police facilities to specialized residential, retail and restaurant environments, each solution ultimately creates unique experiences, strives for excellence and emotes the spirit of place.

We know Denver. We like it, too. It’s a rugged city, a modern city, a city with distinctive charm. When you are in Denver, you never look up and think, “Hmmm, I could be anywhere in the world right now.” No. You always know where you are — if not for the snow-capped Rockies then for the smattering of cool modern architecture nestled among the streets and trees, the dirt paths and endless woods.

Prefab homes are a particular treat. And they seem to fit here, like they got together with the surrounding environment and struck a deal. MetaStudio sets a fine example of the good work that comes from respect, distillation, and inspiration. Their design philosophy, per their Web site, is “specific architecture that is at once functional and poetic.”

PREFAB P2

From the Web site:

The concept for the P2 model is to create a dialogue with the site.  The layout consists of two pavillions: one exclusively for living, dining, entertaing and the second for rest.  Inhabitants are encouraged to engage the site both physically and visually.  Ideally this concept would serve as a vacation home or a small primary residence.  The design is layed out in such a way that it will fit on and fulfill all the requirements for an average lot size of 50′x125′ thus becoming an option for urban infill.  The living, dining, entertaining pavillion is raised slightly above the site to evoke a sense of detachment from neighboring structures and in turn an added layer of privacy.