Blackhawk Off-Grid Artists Sanctuary & Recording Studio

Mountain Star Studio started out as a private, off-grid, luxurious, mountain property perfectly situated on a lush 120-acre ranch. This custom mountain home and barn were oriented to provide spectacular views of the Continental Divide, aspen groves, and high mountain meadows where moose, elk, and other flora and fauna would provide the owners and their guests a daily feast of the sites and sounds of Colorado’s pristine Rocky Mountain Wilderness.

The southern orientation and large glass areas enhance passive solar gain while providing stunning million dollar views of the meadow and mountain ridge beyond. We used 12” ICF insulated wall systems (R-40+) and a soy foam super-insulated roof. We included a solar thermal for in-floor heating and cooling, as well as for domestic hot water at the main house and for the spa. Furthermore, we added a renewable driveway snowmelt heating system, geothermal HRV/ERV ventilation and environmental control systems to provide fresh pre-heated air with minimal electrical load. To add more smart home technology, whole house digital automation, and top of the line audio systems were installed.

At 10,000’ elevation, the home was built for lasting protection against the wind, fire, and other harsh weather conditions. A 12 kW solar photovoltaic panel array on the barn sends power to a battery storage room which allows both buildings to run off-grid. Evacuated-tube thermal solar panels contribute to space heating in the garage, spa, and main house.

The home’s layout is complemented by eclectic architectural detailing and finishes, including brightly colored venetian plaster walls and granite countertops. Stained concrete alternates with sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood can be found over the top of the radiant floors. Decks and rails were made with long-lasting pipe. Our team added many of our own exquisite interior details, including playful steel rail posts cut from patterns with CNC waterjet technology. The extensive interior architectural millwork features agri-fiber board, reclaimed timber and non-toxic finishes. The massive stone chimney includes a high-efficiency Tulikivi masonry wood fireplace inside, as well as a kiva fireplace outside for entertaining.

We collaborated on this project with Bodhagia Architects and appreciate their hard work, creativity, and mindfulness in seeking sustainable products and solutions. We love the many images they captured and efforts made to spur Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine & Dwell Magazine to feature this exquisite residence.

Today, this off-grid luxury property is being operated as a creative sanctuary and music-centric retreat space nestled among a high mountain aspen grove just outside Black Hawk, Colorado. Learn more about this special off-grid project that’s very near and dear to our hearts at: Mountain Star Studio.

Check out some images we captured during the exciting build out of this captivating off-grid luxury ranch property that enjoys the impeccable views, sounds, and feelings that the Great Rocky Mountains are best known to elicit.

For more videos and images, check out Mountain Star Studio at:

https://www.mtnstarstudio.com/