Elton R Construction
Finalist 2019
CARE Awards for Remodeling Excellence
by Home Builders Association of Metro Denver
CATEGORY: WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL $500,000 – $1 MILLION
MODERN METAMORPHOSIS
Built in 1986, this split level home’s features remained original until the new owners fell in love with its
potential. Located in the Wonderland Lake area of Boulder, the home’s original use of heavy dark wood siding
with limited window area had become dated and did not take advantage of the site’s amazing views of the
Flatirons. Beyond the outdated finishes in the interior, the split level arrangement felt awkward and and created
dark secluded spaces.
The level of transformation achieved through the remodel is hard to overstate. The new aesthetic is
modern and minimal. Wood and steel perfectly combine in many areas to produce precise, clean details. The
exterior of the home might have been the largest transformation. In addition to all new windows, the cedar siding
was removed and replaced with a combination of arbor wood and sleek bluish gray cement panels. Applied over
an exterior rain screen, the panels have no fasteners and were cut to variable widths. The resulting look is
completely unique with a steel trellis and railings completing the exterior details. In order to maximize the
incoming light and views, the kitchen was situated in the south west corner where a new flat roof elevated the
ceiling 24 inches. The kitchen features a massive sink with 2 faucets, an “L” shaped island that creates an
informal dining area and a geometric tile backsplash. In the kitchen, the light oak flooring throughout the main
level transitions to a slate tile but the wood is mirrored in the kitchen cabinetry. The oven hood and flanking
cabinets are hot rolled steel and together with the floors, uniquely tie the exterior materials to the interior. Larger
windows and patio doors throughout the entire remodel allow light to flood in. The master and guest bath were
reorganized and completely updated. Finally the entry, which originally featured an ante room, was opened up to
the entire space and a new mono stringer steel staircase with thick wood treads was installed. The culmination
of these efforts is a signature home. One that suits the needs of the owners while also inspiring numerous
referrals and magazine articles.
CATEGORY: HISTORIC REMODEL
BLUFF ST. REVIVAL
The Perry White House was built on the outskirts of Boulder in 1875. It is one of the earliest extant buildings in
the city. It received Landmark Designation in 1994. Perry White built the house and planted an orchard and
gardens on open farmland. While the exterior of the home has maintained its historic Victorian character, the
interior had undergone several remodels and additions over its 140 year lifetime and lost its original charm. The
house had a mishmash of different trim and interior details as well a patch work of mechanical and electrical
systems that required constant repair. From a layout standpoint, the house lacked a master suite and a
comfortable space for the family to convene. In addition, the existing kitchen was closed in and did not flow with
the rest of the house.
To remedy this, several key steps were taken. First, the two car garage with a finished attic above, an addition
from the 90’s, was converted into a family room and master suite. The kitchen was completely remodeled and
opened up, preserving historic touches while adding modern amenities at every turn. A powder bathroom with a
large console sink was added in reclaimed space from an oversized closet in an adjacent guest bedroom. A new
entry on the north side of the house was created with a generous mud room and the interior was extensively
updated throughout the house.
Extensive structural engineering and trade coordination was involved in modernizing the home’s mechanical,
electrical and plumbing throughout without sacrificing the historic elements of the house like its high ceilings and
brick walls. The garage’s concrete slab was removed and the area was excavated to connect to an existing
crawl space under the kitchen. New foundation walls were poured to reinforce the cobble stone original
foundations and a suspended floor was framed to create a mechanical crawl space below. The vaulted space
above the garage barely functioned as a bedroom due to the extreme slope of the gabled roof. During the
remodel the space was converted to a Master Suite by vaulting the non street facing roof lines, converting
previously unusable square footage into a bright, functional 5 piece ensuite bathroom, all while satisfying the
strict requirements of the Historic Preservation board. Lacking closets, storage was a main concern for this
growing family. In addition to creating a custom mudroom, every recess and possible nook was converted into
usable storage with either built-in drawers or recessed storage.
With its stunning kitchen, master suite, high ceilings, detailed trim work and cohesive design aesthetic, the
finished home now exudes historic charm while meeting the needs of a modern family.