MASTER SUITE IN THE ATTIC
A rustic old miner’s cabin from the mining camp of Slavonia, north of Steamboat Springs became home to a mother and her two daughters. The family renovated the main portion of the cabin and set it on a new foundation. The attic was converted into bedrooms for the girls, but it was never structurally intended to be occupied. The attic area wasn’t properly insulated, and the living space was sparse with minimal headroom. The home had been converted out of necessity, but after the two girls grew up, it was time for the house to do the same. Gerber Berend Design Build was selected to modernize the old cabin.
The concept for the remodel was to incorporate the traditional feel of the log cabin structure while allowing the owner to bring her more contemporary personal taste into the new master suite.
The roof was taken off and the wood, with hues of brown and grey, was repurposed for the ceiling board in the main area as well as bookcases and the headboard and footboard of the master bed.
Existing glass block elements, which the homeowner really loved, inspired our material selection. A sculptural glass block vanity with glass on four sides effectively transferred light from the dressing area to the master bedroom. Using the glass also created an entryway into a clean, contemporary design. A chandelier from the existing cabin was kept, creating a vertical connection between the attic and the existing dining area.
An old spiral staircase with low head clearance was replaced with a timber stairway that enters the sitting room for the master bedroom. The open area is a semi-public, semi-private space which serves as a connector between the master bedroom on one side and the master bathroom, closet and laundry of the other side of the main space.
The renovated master suite in the attic now showcases the best views in the house with views towards Rabbit Ears sweeping into an expansive view of the valley.