Calcaire - Build / February 26, 2016 by Anna Slowey

Rendering; View of the cantilevered deck outside the clubhouse

We introduced the ground breaking of our residential project Calcaire on the blog back in November along with renderings and videos of the fascinating process of relocating behemoth trees. We're on site this week with framing updates and the anticipation of all of our steel arriving on three trucks over the course of March. The lack of framing sure is deceiving ...the remainder of the house envelope is glass and steel!

Future home of the steel and glass stair

Cantilevered deck overlooking the Flatirons

Geneva Park - Build / February 18, 2016 by Anna Slowey

What a stunning day for a site visit at our Geneva Park project. We introduced this project back in early January here and oh myy is it sprouting up beautifully in such a serene location.

Boulder Brands / January 28, 2016 by Anna Slowey

We've snapped some final shots of the space we created for Boulder Brands, a test kitchen and office space on Pearl Street. Click into our portfolio page for Boulder Brands for more shots.

Emerald - Build / January 22, 2016 by Anna Slowey

One of our new residential projects 'Emerald' is taking form even in the depths of winter. Shades of green define the spatial layout as the house wraps and responds to the numerous trees that dot and envelope the site. The rich variety of wildlife remains one of the highlights of this beautifully wooded lot.

Ivy League - Build / January 20, 2016 by Anna Slowey

'Ivy League' is getting closer and closer to wrapping up! Informed by two masses; one wood and one stone, a glass stairwell houses a steel spine staircase. Below are some photos taken during our walk through this week. Scroll down for a killer bathroom and staircase.

2021 Walnut - Build / January 14, 2016 by Anna Slowey

Working with existing structures and designing a complimentary new addition is always a welcome challenge and design exercise. At 2021 Walnut, we began with a turn of the century Victorian home that had been given a pop-top second floor addition in the 90's in the form of a "witch's hat." After being utilized as a vertically stacked duplex for many years, we began our transformation by updating the exterior forms and simplifying the massing...the "witch's hat" had to go. Replacing the "witch's hat" with a clean gable on the second floor provides spectacular views to Bear Peak. Gutting the interior and returning it to a single family home resulted a gracious open floor plan with modern amenities.

Zoned for multiple lots, a new structure was dropped into the adjacent yard. This three bedroom unit with a third floor office and roof deck with sweeping views of the Flatirons functions as the white Victorian's modern counterpart in sleek black stained wood rainscreen.

Existing details of the turn of the century Victoria home

Folly Farm in Architectural Digest / January 14, 2016 by Anna Slowey

If you're picking up a copy of this next month's February issue of Architectural Digest you may spy Folly Farm featured within it's pages. We love this quote by the owner....

“A house becomes a masterpiece only after a series of tweaking. Keeping the palette monotone with simple additives of wood and metal lends itself to our changing design moods...”

— Kristi Smith

For a video tour of this project and insight by our team and the owners, be sure to check out the two part Best in Show feature of Folly Farm by Marvin.

Geneva Park - Build / January 8, 2016 by Anna Slowey

We've broken ground (and then some) on our Geneva Park residence in Boulder. Inspired by the humble little white farmhouse in the woods, we can't wait to frame out this amazing landscape dotted with Silver Maples, Spruce, and spectacular views.

Animal House - Build / November 23, 2015 by Anna Slowey

Original sketch of 'Animal House' inspired by ye olde world and rural whimsy

The walnut trunk is now up at 'Animal House'! Towering 15' high, the tree supports the church-like "apse" punctuating the end of a linear series of stalls/party pads for various animals. Originating from the site, the black walnut's bark was scraped off and teak oil was used to enrich the surface. Affectionately dubbed 'The Witches Hut', the apse will also house a massive stone fireplace where humans, horses, alpacas, goats, ghosts, and goblins alike will enjoy the grand space.

Check back in December for an update on the roof thatching process!

The hearth stone--over 100 inches long and covered in beautiful lichen

The animal stall corridor looking framing the walnut trunk and apse

Blizzard Brewing - Build / November 18, 2015 by Anna Slowey

View of Mt Hotham ski fields after 20 cm fresh snowfall

Blizzard Brewing, Australia's highest brewery sits at an altitude of 1550 meters. Although nearly 9,000 miles away in the Victorian Alps, our Blizzard Brewing renovation involves two things near and dear to our Coloradan hearts....

“Today’s powder, tomorrow’s beer”

Construction began with steel being lifted and suspended from the roof beams which will feature an observation deck over the brewhouse floor below.

Red Gum slabs, a tree native to Australia, ready to be polished into tap room bar tops.

For more information on Australia's highest brewery, you can click here and here.

Photos from Blizzard Brewing

Calcaire - Breaking Ground / November 17, 2015 by Anna Slowey

We're breaking ground on a new residential project in Boulder and our builder sent us some amazing aerial shots of excavation. Scroll down for the time-lapse video of when trees sprout legs and settle down for a better view. For more glimpses of this project, check out Calcaire on our main site.

Join Our Team! Now Hiring / November 2, 2015 by Anna Slowey

*Our office space near the heart of downtown and Pearl Street*

Surround Architecture, an award winning design firm located in Boulder CO, is currently accepting applications for a talented Designer to join the team with a minimum of 4 years of applicable experience. Our studio has an immediate need for a creative and detail oriented self-starter who can operate within a variety of design phases.

Competencies
• Exemplary design and documentation skills, with a high-level working knowledge of Revit 2016, AutoCAD Architecture 2016, Photoshop, and In Design
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in the MS Office suite of software
• Superb organizational skills
• Understanding of IRC, IBC, and ANSI

Responsibilities and Core Requisites
• Design, interior design, documentation, media organization, and project-oriented tasks

• Coordinate with and manage material vendors
• Provide graphics, 3D modeling, marketing, and communication support
• Manage interior project components to larger project goals
• Display a client-oriented approach and a creative, positive outlook
• Prioritize and balance multiple tasks simultaneously
• Work effectively without close supervision
• Take accountability and ownership of project components from start to finish

Compensation
• Dependent on experience

Submittal Info
• "Designer - Your Name" in the subject of the email.
• Cover letter in the body of the email.
• Resume in PDF format.
• Portfolio in PDF format or website link.
• Send to - info [at] surroundarchitecture [dot] com. No phone calls or walk ins, please.

Applications that do not follow the above directions will not be reviewed.
All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Anthem Branding in Modern in Denver / July 28, 2015 by Anna Slowey

*Photos by Daniel O'Connor and Dale Hubbard*

There’s a new beacon on Broadway and our Anthem Branding headquarters is getting some love in Modern in Denver’s Summer Issue as well as on Office Snapshots!

Designed “as a lantern on Broadway,” three stories of glass, steel, and concrete house the growing design and advertising agency where they can collaborate, work, and find inspiration. Modern and industrial raw materials are complemented by organic touches of reclaimed boxcar maple, a zen garden, and sweeping views of the Flatirons. Not only does the floor-to-ceiling glass provide the staff with spectacular views, but night illuminates the building for glimpses into their (primarily open) spaces.

In Modern in Denver, Charlie Keaton writes,

Natural light dominates; the surrounding beauty of Boulder overwhelms. “We always talked about the idea that the architecture becomes the interiors,” says Hubbard. It’s an inside-out building. That’s an approach that was always fundamental to our design process.”

The effect of creating a building this way is two-fold. From practically any desk on any floor, panoramic views of the Flatirons abound. it is the very antithesis of walled-in cubicle life. The impact, however, is equally striking from the exterior, where passersby get an unfettered glimpse of Anthem’s inner sanctum. As day turns into night, the glass box shines brightly amid a string of more traditional office structures. “We wanted to have this regarded as a lantern on Broadway,” said Hubbard. “Boulder is basically built mostly out of red brick and is made to look like a frontier town by nature of the planning process that most structures go through. We didn’t hold back on glass, which was a big move in my mind.”

Pick up a copy of Modern in Denver’s Summer 2015 issue for a great write up on Anthem’s success story.

Photos by Daniel O’Connor and Dale Hubbard; Article in Modern in Denver written by Charlie Keaton

Cherry Creek Modern - Breaking Ground / September 22, 2014 by Anna Slowey

Rendering

Breaking Ground in Cherry Creek! Situated in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek Neighborhood; this modern home redefines the limits of conventional living. As a response to the surrounding urban environment, and adjacent Ross Cherry Creek Public Library, the project required a unique siting and massing approach to create a private courtyard retreat. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining and family events as the interior gathering spaces and courtyard are united through four glass garage doors and large expanses of glazing. As construction continues, the advanced geothermal system is being installed; which will serve to both heat and cool the residence. We are looking forward to this project materializing to reveal the soaring wood beams and exposed steel structure, further adding to the unique fabric of the cherry creek neighborhood.

Black Bear - Build / September 11, 2014 by Anna Slowey

Currently under construction, nestled into the base of the Flatirons, is a house unlike any other. A challenging, steep site, led to a design that is both built into the hillside, and floating above. Two large cantilevers, one on each level, are easy to see now that the steel frame has been erected. The frame will continue to be exposed as an internal architectural feature of the house, with the frame walls built around it. The finished house will capture views of the Flatirons to the south, Flagstaff Road to the west and over Boulder to the east through large expanses of glass. Concrete retaining walls will enclose a private landscaped courtyard, a well-manicured piece within the natural site.

Branding an Icon - Anthem Build / May 22, 2014 by Anna Slowey

Under construction for several months now, the new headquarters for Anthem Branding is beginning to resemble a finished building. The three story steel, glass and CMU structure occupies a front row space on Broadway in central Boulder. Situated across from the lively Community Plaza, the location is an ideal home for young, creative energy which fills the ranks at Anthem Branding. With expansive glass facades the views from within are inspiring and the design reflects Anthem Branding’s desire to compose a work space which speaks to their creativity. A spring completion date couldn’t be more fitting for this growing company to seed down in their new digs!

Best in Show - Marvin Awards / March 28, 2014 by Anna Slowey

Our Folly Farm house won Best In Show in the Marvin Windows Architect Challenge in 2013. They produced a nifty video (or two). Check it out!

The second of two videos showcasing our Folly Farm house.

Selva Mar Puntarenas Build / January 26, 2014 by Anna Slowey

Construction has begun on the Jewel Montage, as named by our client, in Costa Rica! The project is an addition to an existing home built in 2005. Since the existing home utilizes unique Corteza wood column and eave details our concept for the addition uses this as inspiration.

In addition, the design serves the purpose of showcasing a few key items that our client has collected while traveling. One of the key items is an ornate teak wood door that was found in South India in the town of Trivandrum. As our client has informed us it dates back to the mid 1700’s and was constructed using the age old techniques of wood joinery and no fasteners. The intricate carvings depict Hindu deities and as a result it has been described as a ‘blessing door.’ The Door was recently delivered on site and took 8 people to reassemble!