Project Name: Echo Mountain Retreat

Location: Denver, United States

Design Team: Tomecek Studio Architecture

Total Floor Area: 2800 ft²

Completion: 2023

Photography: Parrish Ruiz de Velasco

Feature: Tomecek Studio Architecture has created an extraordinary mountain retreat residence on 20 acres of forested land near Echo Mountain peak, approximately 45 minutes from Denver, founded on the idea of seamless human-nature integration and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) philosophy. This residence is embodied in the design of fragmented programming, forming it into fluid spatial relationships to create harmonious living environments, with strategically positioned architectural volumes arranged around the natural landscape. The design language was derived from the fusion of Japanese forest bathing therapy and American mountain architecture traditions, helping root the building in its alpine context.

The project's most striking design feature lies in its revolutionary distributed programming language that perfectly embodies ideas of digital detox and natural authenticity. The living spaces are seamlessly integrated with the surrounding 150-foot vertical rock formation landscape, which allows connection between inside and out, and between human habitation and forest environment. This elegantly honest design is topped off by raw textures and weathered finishes, further unifying the spaces beneath and blending the building into its mountain environment.

Central to the design philosophy is the seamless integration of shinrin-yoku principles and contemporary living comfort. Natural ventilation is provided through the strategic positioning achieving climate-responsive design, while spatial flow is enhanced by the dissolution of traditional boundaries between architectural fragments and natural realms. Extensive natural landscaping around the building with pristine forest enhances biodiversity, with the mountain's soundscape reducing urban noise by creating a natural acoustic buffer.

Material choices honor environmental responsibility and architectural excellence. Raw textures and honest materials develop character over time in living finishes, while careful integration with the natural context meant minimal site disruption with forest preservation providing enhanced environmental harmony. Natural lighting is maximized by southern exposure so that artificial lighting needs are minimized, with all materials being authentic and low-impact, therefore environmentally responsible.

Perhaps most ingeniously, the building design is both timeless and progressive--creating spaces that feel authentically lived-in rather than pristinely manufactured, so the residence represents a new paradigm in mountain living. The project represents the transformative power of residential architecture, redefining contemporary living through innovative spatial fragmentation and environmental harmony.

Design Team - Tomecek Studio Architecture stands as a distinguished architectural design consultancy that has established an exceptional reputation in residential design innovation. Founded by Brad Tomecek in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, under the visionary leadership of Founder and Principal Brad Tomecek, FAIA, LEED BD+C and Project Manager Alexander Bender, supported by a diverse team of accomplished architects and designers including Chief Financial Officer Christa Offenhauser Tomecek.

Brad Tomecek brings exceptional architectural experience from the University of Florida with Bachelor of Design and Master of Architecture degrees and deep understanding of sustainable design principles to the practice. The firm's design philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of thoughtful, sustainable, and innovative design, drawing inspiration from the unique character of American mountain landscapes while embracing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary residential design. Their approach is centered on collaboration--working closely with clients to craft architecture that exceeds expectations, reflects environmental authenticity, and enriches the spaces it inhabits.

The firm's architectural language is founded on the values of creativity, harmony, and environmental integration, with Tomecek Studio Architecture integrating disciplines to deliver cohesive and experientially-focused solutions. By combining architectural vision with advanced project management capabilities and a dedication to human-nature spatial integration, they create designs that balance beauty, function, and environmental harmony. With a practice culture grounded in collective exploration and excellence, their experienced team ensures every project is both a spatial journey and a lasting legacy--connecting people to places, and places to the natural environment.

Through thoughtful understanding of American mountain design values of harmony, sustainability, and environmental authenticity, Tomecek Studio Architecture has established itself as a significant contributor to contemporary mountain architecture, creating architectural works that are both rooted in place and embrace global residential design standards. The practice has gained recognition for its commitment to design excellence, ensuring every project is completed to the highest standard of spatial and environmental integration.