Menkick House

The Menkick House completed in 1970 is situated on a site in West Boulder that contains a beautiful rock out-cropping. Due to the striking shape of the rock, Haertling and the client decided to use it as an integral part of the design. The rock form is related to architecturally by three pivotal rock masses in the building itself. A neutral horizontal roof line was chosen to allow for the prominence of both the natural and man-made rock masses.

The house features an exciting contrast between the formal south living room wing with the more informal north end. The south living room is sunken in the earth and enjoys a view of the city. The north end with bedrooms and kitchen is submerged in trees with a cantilever balcony for the kids that overlooks the creek. Natural materials relate the building to the environment with rock and wood surfaces moving from outside to inside, complementing the outdoor experience of the site. Practical considerations counseled against intersecting rock into room, but a pierced roof balcony off of the master bedroom that connects to the rock provides a wonderful experience for the parents upon awakening each day and looking up to the crest of the rock backlit with morning light.

Additional photos are included:

• Main floor
• Upper and Lower floor

During construction of the Menkick house CAH filmed many interesting sequences. A video copy of a film, by Joel Haertling, incorporating this footage is available in VHS format. The tape also includes documentation of other CAH designs. A book of Charles A. Haertling's designs is also available.

Contact Joel Haertling to order the video or book.

© 1995 Atomix Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This page was last revised on June 6, 1995.