KINTSUGI

“Kintsugi” is a remodel and addition to a modest 1950s single-family home that had undergone multiple prior renovations. After careful consideration, the owners opted to remodel rather than rebuild, guided by the philosophy of kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. The approach is a reflection of the owners’ commitment to sustainability and low-consumption living.

The project is also an expression of taking big-project, and big-living design thinking, and applying it to a modest project.

Living in Japan at the time of engagement, the clients asked for a comprehensive design effort through interiors and landscape design that incorporated the existing home despite its unwieldy and difficult existing conditions. Together, we found efficiencies, preserved open outdoor garden space, and forged functional, community-building modern spaces, and site flow for this walk-and bike-commuting, super active family of five.

BOULDER, CO | 2,938 SF

General Contractor: Buildwell

Structural Engineer: GFE Structural

Landscape Design: Laura Marion

Photography: Randy Land

Modern two-story house with a mix of wood and white siding, large front window, concrete steps with embedded lights leading to the entrance, surrounded by autumn leaves and trees.
Modern open-concept kitchen and living area with wooden cabinetry, a large kitchen island with stools, a black TV, and sliding glass doors leading outside.
Dining room with a wooden table, four matching wooden chairs with black metal frames, skylights, and two pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. Large windows reveal trees outside.
Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, a kitchen island with bar stools, and built-in shelving with books and decor.
Woman sitting on a light-colored sectional sofa holding a book, in a bright living room with large windows, wooden flooring, a circular wooden coffee table, modern decor, and a sliding door leading outside.
A man and woman sitting on a beige sectional sofa in a modern living room.
Interior view of a modern home with wood flooring, white walls, a front door, a kitchen island with bar stools, and a couch with blankets and pillows.
Modern bathroom with a beige concrete sink, black wall-mounted faucet, round mirror, black wall light fixtures, a potted plant, and wooden lower cabinets with towels and candles underneath.
A person walking up a wooden staircase in a modern indoor setting, carrying a beige bag, with white walls and a wooden slat wall on the left.
Entrance area with wooden accents, a small window, bench with a fuzzy white throw, vase with branches, and shoes on the floor.
Modern house with a covered wooden deck, outdoor seating, and a landscaped yard with purple flowers.
A woman walking through a doorway in a modern home with wooden sliding closet doors.
Modern house with large front windows, porch with outdoor furniture, surrounded by trees and landscaped garden with rocks and mulch.
Before multi panel layout.jpg