A Home for Northern Colorado

Our team focused on creating a single family home that caters to the Northern Colorado market, balancing luxurious finishes with functional and flexible design. The home is located within The Cache, an up-and-coming residential community, introducing a new luxury way of living to the city of Greeley. The development features amenities such as pocket parks, a school, and access to the Poudre River Trail. Only a few miles from  Fort Collins, Denver, and Boulder, it is the perfect countryside retreat with nearby access to big-city amenities. Understanding that outdoor living is a major draw for this region, we incorporated a spacious outdoor kitchen and a wraparound porch to encourage seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the home boasts a two-story layout with 3 bedrooms, a flex room, and 3.5 bathrooms, offering an adaptable space that meets the needs of modern homeowners. The open-plan design maximizes natural light and flow, while high-end finishes ensure a sense of sophistication and comfort. Our goal was to create a residence that not only appeals to homebuyers but also provides a strategic opportunity for small builders to successfully grow their business in the competitive housing market of Northern Colorado.

Sustainability

The home’s landscape design thoughtfully incorporates native Colorado plant species, such as Colorado blue spruce and vibrant native flowers, to create a sustainable and drought-tolerant environment. In addition, used locally sourced stones to complement the natural beauty of the landscape, enhancing both its aesthetic and ecological value through a xeriscape design. 

The home also has a water reuse system that collects runoff from the roof and channels it into a cistern for storage, helping address Colorado’s water insecurity issues. This stored water can be used for irrigation, landscaping, and other non-potable purposes, reducing reliance on local water supplies. 

In summer, the home’s overhangs provide shade to outdoor spaces, protecting them from heat. In winter, the lower sun angle warms the southern side, creating a pleasant and usable outdoor environment. The living room and master bedroom receive bright northern light, with sunsets visible from the master bedroom and sunrises from the main living area.

About the Authors

Amanda Carambat is a 5th-year Bachelor of Architecture student at Louisiana State University and served as co-design lead for the NAHB Student Competition alongside Aya Hijazi. Passionate about designing spaces that enhance occupant well-being, Amanda strives to integrate sustainability and regional context into her work. She believes in bridging the gap between architecture and construction to create well-coordinated buildings that respect both the occupants' vision and the environment. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, she hopes to contribute to a future where thoughtful design and efficient building practices go hand in hand.

Aya Hijazi is a 5th-year architecture student at LSU with a strong passion for learning and innovation. Throughout her academic journey, she has embraced multiple leadership roles, including serving as co-lead designer for the NAHB Student Competition, where she helped LSU secure 2nd place in the nation! She is particularly interested in bridging the gap between architecture and construction management, striving to deepen her understanding of both disciplines to create impactful, functional designs. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to growth, Aya aims to contribute meaningfully to the world of architecture