The Edge Wilderness Retreat at night: a curved stone terrace and fire pit below the lit glass sky room and cantilevered deck

Projects  /  Concept — Colorado

The Edge Wilderness Retreat

Designed as a conceptual exploration of high-altitude living, this Colorado wilderness retreat pushes the boundaries of residential architecture. The defining feature of the design is a dramatic, cantilevered "diving board" observation deck that extends precariously outward, offering the adventurous an unobstructed, thrilling view of the plunging valley below.

The architecture balances this daring protrusion with heavily grounded, circular stone masonry towers that anchor the structure to the mountainside. One of these towers houses a dedicated glass-enclosed "sky room," elevated above the tree line to provide a perfect, sheltered environment for late-night stargazing. Below, the expansive lower stone terrace is designed for gathering, featuring a large, built-in fire pit poised on the edge of the property—the ideal setting for sharing ghost stories against the backdrop of the dark wilderness.

To fully embrace the remote location, the retreat incorporates extensive walls of glass, ensuring the dramatic views are captured from almost every room. The layout seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, featuring a dedicated outdoor games lawn and a dual interior/exterior bar designed to serve guests whether they are relaxing inside by the fire or lounging on the expansive deck.

The retreat at night among pines, a fire glowing in the stone fireplace and telescopes in the glass rooftop room

Bjella Architects

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