Noble House
The Nobel residence of 1958 is briefly described by Haertling as "a wigwam structure using structural form to economic advantage." The clients told Haertling that in terms of design, they wanted "anything, just so its different and economical." Their lot had some difficult features, including a stream, uneven ground, and many existing trees. After rejecting a first design that was determined to be too costly, they were horrified when they saw the model of what was to become their house, but which was an economical design. Haertling had this to say in a letter from 1961:
As to the cost aspect of the Noble house I studied this problem at length and found economy to lie in:
- Repetition - each leaf of roof is identical - rafters and plywood could be precut and worked out to eliminate waste. The two frames are alike - first took two weeks, second three days to build.
- Elimination of extraneous parts of structure - rafters considered as arches, plywood used in tension (stress-skin).
- Finish ceiling put on along with and was part of the structure - first came the rafter arches, the then pre-painted 1/4" mahogany plywood, the 2x2's (with insulation between) and a final layer of plywood, with the lowest cost quality cedar shingles applied to this.
- Partitions not going to the ceiling eliminated many difficult conditions.
- Little use of masonry.
- Tile flooring laid before partitions were set in place.
Haertling referred to the roof as being composed of identical "leaves", of which there are 16 in total, which have exposed and stained interior rafters on the ceiling that extend the metaphor. The symmetry of the building separates the living spaces of the parents from that of the 3 children, with the roof serving as walls. The kitchen acts as another separation, sunk 12" to allow for visibility each area underneath the "floating" cabinets, and has a pleasant view of a triangular garden just out the window. Cork floors adorn the living room which features built-in bookshelves, drape-less fenestration facing a very private terrace with a view to the mountains, and a striking fireplace arrangement.
A Denver Post article of the period reported "Space craft home draws traffic in Boulder." During the course of construction, the site became a favorite haunt for Sunday drivers. This increased as the metal tapered spike and "star" skylight at the tops were completed. The building's relationship to the site is accentuated by the smaller "footprint" of the foundation, creating interesting roof overhangs, and inward sloping support walls with triangular- shaped windows as seen in cross-section.
