Matheson House

Robert Matheson, the original owner, built on a rocky, bentonite mesa having a panoramic view of Boulder, the mountains, and the plains. The site was heavily mined, and an abandoned gravel pit became the means to sink the house into the hillside and provide a walkout basement to the south. A series of cylindrical spaces around a central living area and spectacular views are the highlights of this house.

Haertling worked with the desires of his client to create an economical, environmentally-focused structure. Starting with a bare "shell" with dirt floors in the basement, the owners finished much of the house themselves over the years, including most built-ins, cabinets, lighting, fireplace, patios, retaining walls, etc.

The 37 acres of land also include a barn, a round workshop/studio, and a riding ring.

The entryway features a cylindrical space for plants and artwork. The livingroom is the central area with views and light. Note the concrete pillars which outline the entire perimeter of the house at 5-foot spacing. These pillars continue through the basement to bedrock, supporting the house over a bentonite layer. Off the livingroom is an enclosed circular west garden patio. The curved patio wall is built of T-111 paneling grooved at 2" intervals, a material which Haertling used throughout the house. a corner of the livingroom houses the cylindrical sunken conversation pit and fireplace. Haertling used these closed concrete forms as areas of serenity and security in contrast to the open exposure of the glass walls.

The north terrace overlooks Boulder to the north.

The kitchen features views of Boulder from a cylindrical eating space. Note the use of T-111, poured concrete, and lighting soffits. The dining area features an aquarium built into wall cabinets. A south balcony overlooks the lower Flagstone walkout, terraced flower gardens, and the Boulder open space toward the south. The bathroom was finished with a wall of mirrors to increase the apparent size of a narrow and crowded corridor-type arrangement.

The master bedroom with bath features corner windows (Haertling feature) and repeats the cylindrical walls around bed. Note ground level showing how far house has been sunken into hillside. From master bedroom is a good view of the studio workshop.

The lower level has been finished aaccording to circular plan designed by the owners'son. The design includes a circular library, surrounded by other rooms.

© 1995 Atomix Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This page was last revised on June 6, 1995.