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Every custom home has its own story. This one stands out—not because it's the biggest home we've built, but because of the care that went into every decision along the way.
Located in Boulder County, this 6,000-square-foot custom home brings together full-bed stone veneer, exposed structural steel, reclaimed wood siding, and high-performance building systems in a way that feels both modern and timeless. Every material was selected with intention, and every detail reflects the collaboration between the homeowners, architect, and our team.
One of our favorite parts of this project came after it was finished. The homeowners regularly open their home to prospective clients and friends because they're genuinely proud of what we built together. For us, that's about the best compliment a builder can receive.
Before construction began, the existing home on the property was carefully deconstructed rather than demolished.
Materials were sorted and recycled whenever possible instead of being sent to the landfill. While Boulder County requires construction waste diversion, the homeowners were equally committed to reducing the environmental impact of the project from day one.
That same mindset guided the rest of the build.
From the beginning, the goal was to create a net-zero home—one that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.
To achieve that, the home combines a photovoltaic solar array with a geothermal ground-source heat pump that provides efficient heating and cooling by using the earth's stable underground temperature.
The result is a home that's exceptionally comfortable, remarkably efficient, and designed to perform for decades.
Not every challenge is visible in the finished product. Early in construction, we encountered an unusually high water table that required extensive drainage systems and groundwater management before the foundation could be completed. Solving those problems correctly isn't something homeowners will ever see, but it's essential to building a home that lasts.
The homeowners wanted to enjoy the experience of building a custom home without having to manage the day-to-day details themselves.
Working alongside the talented team at Sopher Sparn Architects, we established a process that kept everyone informed and aligned throughout construction. Weekly owner-architect-contractor meetings, cloud-based project management, and a full-time superintendent on site allowed decisions to be made quickly and communication to remain clear.
Near the end of construction, COVID changed the way every project operated. At the same time, we were also building the home next door. Careful scheduling, constant communication, and respect for the neighborhood allowed both projects to move forward successfully while minimizing disruption for everyone involved.
Today, Mountain Modern is a home where craftsmanship and performance work together seamlessly.
Natural stone, structural steel, reclaimed timber, and thoughtfully detailed interiors create warmth and character, while the geothermal and solar systems quietly do their job in the background.
The homeowners honored us with a five-star review and a letter of recommendation, but what stays with us most is seeing how much they enjoy living there. Every time we run into them around Boulder, they're excited to talk about the house and eager to share it with others.
That's what every custom home should become—a place people truly love living in.
At the time, Mountain Modern was the largest and most complex project Ellis Builds had completed.
Successfully delivering the home on schedule, within budget, and to the level of quality our clients expected reinforced something we've continued to build upon ever since: thoughtful planning, clear communication, and exceptional craftsmanship scale together.
As David Ellis says:
"By combining our experience with a disciplined process, we delivered an extraordinary home that exceeded our clients' expectations. That's what we strive to do on every project."
That philosophy continues to guide every home we build.
If you're considering building a custom home in Boulder County, we'd love to hear about your vision. Whether you're just beginning the design process or already have plans in hand, we'd be happy to start the conversation.