Independence Pass Residence
Aspen, USA, 2014
Vals Quartzite in the landscape of the Rocky Mountains
At the edge of a nature preserve in Aspen, Colorado, the Independence Pass Residence is closely connected to its surroundings through its choice of materials and clear architectural language. Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and completed in 2014, the private residence uses Vals Quartzite to define the building’s solid base, creating a natural contrast to the lightweight metal volume seemingly floating above it. More about the project
Products: Vals Quartzite , broken
Area of application: Layered masonry
Architecture:
Material supplier: Truffer AG
Material & contribution by Truffer
Vals Quartzite was used as split layered stone masonry on the exterior façades. Course heights of 9.8 cm were used with a wall thickness of 10 cm. The natural split surface gives the stone walls a powerful and authentic character.
Vals Quartzite is also used selectively as an accent throughout the interior. The fireplace fronts were clad with the same split layered stone masonry. This carries the materiality of the exterior walls into the living spaces, creating a visual connection between inside and outside.
Architectural features
The building is conceived as a clear, linear volume: the solid, natural-stone-clad base appears to emerge from the landscape, while a lightweight, cubic volume above seems to float on slender supports. Generous glazing opens the living spaces fully to the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior. Particularly striking is the combination of Vals Quartzite, wood, glass and metal. The natural, robust layered stone masonry provides a counterpoint to the transparent and delicate elements of the architecture.
The project was completed in 2014 and received, among other distinctions, a Green GOOD DESIGN Award and an AIA Housing Award.
Function & use
Private residence