Tomecek Studio Architecture – We Design Experiences

LoHi Live/Work – An urban infill structure that reconsiders the traditional notion of living above the office. The lower office / showroom massing respects the traditional two-story scale of the block while dovetailing into the 45′ tall form of newer neighborhood construction. The gentle west wall alley curve is a response to the required alley site triangle, transforming the design language from a cartesianal blocky approach to a project of fluid interlocking forms. The main level of the residence and deck above is 20+ feet above ground level allowing for spectacular views of the cityscape beyond.

Shield House – This urban infill project juxtaposes a tall, slender curved circulation space against a rectangular living space. The tall curved metal wall was a result of bulk plane restrictions and the need to provide privacy from the public decks of the adjacent 3- story triplex. This element becomes the focal point of the residence both visually and experientially. The shield acts as sun catcher that brings light down through the house from morning until early afternoon. At night it becomes a glowing, welcoming sail for visitors.

Echo Mountain Retreat – This home was envisioned as a refuge from the busyness of daily city life. The owners shared their desire for a place free of screen time, focused on communing with nature and exploring the forest with their young family. The site is intended to be a place of gathering, with destinations scattered across the property. A rock formation starts as a small outcropping near the build site and ultimately develops into a 150-foot cliff. The design dialogue centers on shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing”, which is the simple, therapeutic act of spending time in nature.

Cemetery Residence – What does it mean to live next to a cemetery? This project explores the layers of death that emphasize the meaning of life by sheer proximity. The terrestrial and celestial organize the programmatic functions of this 1000sqft retreat and guest pod. Taking cues from local agrarian structures, this humble construct incorporates a 35 foot viewing tower to take advantage of truly amazing 360 degree views.

Black Hills Guest House – The Cottage takes advantage of the meadow views and utilizes a cantilever to reach out and overlook the treed ravine below. The irregular cadence of slotted windows tunes transparency and opacity as inspired by the trees. The project configures two modules on a single level for an open floor plan layout. A central service core is accessed from all four sides while separating the public and private halves of the house. The windows meld the house to with its treed surroundings, while the cantilevered launch over the ravine highlights the site’s dramatic topography.

Festival Park – This three-acre urban park connects city hall across the creek to the downtown core. Two pavilions were conceived to enhance the identity of place. To the east is ‘The Landing’ an anchor space which uses raw materials of concrete, wood and steel to create a large covered gathering area. To the west, the ‘Overlook’ is cantilevered 20 feet above the creek below. This pavilion consists of three vertically bent steel beams with a horizontal wood slatted enclosure above offering an instant town icon by day and glowing lantern by night. In collaboration with Design Workshop.

Pianoforte Residence – Inspired by our clients’ love of all things piano, the residence interprets the masculine form as ‘loud’ and the play of light as ‘soft’. The L-shaped plan addresses the active street corner while providing protection to the rear outdoor landscape. The entry becomes a gateway into this secret garden. Light breathes life into the living space in the morning and pours into the kitchen from the southern clerestory above. Working organ pipes surround the fireplace enclosure in a pattern reflected in the perforated panels that screen the entry and filter light into the residence.

Mallard Creek Residence – This design was influenced by site features that include a wetland with a stream, a lake surrounded by an agrarian alfalfa field and impressive views of Long’s Peak. A long stone wall provides a reference datum that links both public and private, indoor and outdoor spaces into a cohesive whole. The house is organized around a sunrise court to the east which gazes upon the lake and a sunset court to the west to take advantage of mountain views.

Black Hills Homestead – This project was envisioned as a full-time residence, guest house, and fully functional barn. The essence of the architecture takes cues from the rural agricultural aesthetic on one end of the spectrum and contemporary living on the other end. The conceptual goal of the project was to use the structures to illustrate the evolution of how we use materials, harness natural light, and, most importantly, create and design useful spaces, all while portraying the evolution and modernization of architectural design.