We’re forever fans of KLIMA Architects, and love watching the evolution of their modern, epically-efficient designs. Today we bring you up to speed with Powder Haus, KLIMA Principal Chris Price’s family home- finished in 2024. High at the top of Summit Park, Powder Haus sits with vast mountain views. The corrugated steel exterior and its developing patina blend in beautifully with the natural environment.
Something KLIMA does best, is utilizing barebones functionality while somehow achieving luxury-level aesthetics. Steel is the most affordable, resilient, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant material for an exterior, and the outcome is somehow beautiful and soft in the environment. We love the structural steel entry ‘fins’, that create a layering effect whilst providing a functional purpose – a visual barrier from neighboring properties. Angled concrete berms provide additional layers that mimic the natural contours of the land, and hold native plantings which further blend the modern man-made with nature.
The interior holds the same formula of function meets aesthetics.
The foundational concrete—which was already on the floor / the floor—has been utilized; ground down to expose the particulate, giving it a polished terrazzo look. Steel is used again for stairs and very cool perforated railings that serve as a permeable visual barrier. This is a great middle option between a fully open concept and separated spaces. (And yes, Chris and his father did all the steel work). The ceilings and roofline are beautifully interesting, with almost origami-like structural folds. And the entire inside has been wrapped in pine. Again, an affordable, practical, more sustainable wood, and the rustic knotty look is in perfect juxtaposition with the other ultra-modern elements.
I’ll also point out that this haus has a powder room. Why? Because that is the actual namesake of Powder Haus, despite the obvious about being able to ski out the back door. The name is an inside joke amongst close family and friends; the main complaint about Crest Haus was it’s big design faux pas- not having a powder room.
And of course, awe-inspiring visuals aside, Powder Haus has all the signature bells and whistles of KLIMA designs:
Passivhaus principles, triple pane European windows, double walls, 3x the insulation of standard housing, radiant heat, and 7kw solar. We love the commitment to building sustainably, and that Chris fiercely upholds his standards across his work. These standards are much needed in our world today, and imagine the world we’d have if they were simply the norm. Keep fighting the good fight, KLIMA.
