MorterArchitects - Law Firm Lee & Associates Attorneys Denver, Colorado

Selected Works by Morter Architects:

SHAKER BARN
After we designed a log cabin for our Los Angeles clients, they returned to have some more fun with architecture on the adjacent lot. This unique residence was designed as a microcosm of a typical Shaker community, combining modern technology with historical Shaker values and attitudes. The clients have always been intrigued by the Shaker ethic, and the simple, direct, meaningful designs that have come from it. After considerable research and travel to Shaker communities, we designed the round stone community center, prim and proper Shaker home and the Shaker Barn. In order to open it to its spectacular surroundings, we used modern technology to take a slice out of the round stone form with a tall window wall.

Every element was designed to be hand-made, rather than manufactured by machine. The timbers were recycled from a Portland, Oregon warehouse. The weathered wood and the rusted, corrugated metal came from an 1880s Indiana barn. When just the right light fixtures couldn't be found, they were fashioned out of copper pipe and light bulbs. Attempting to adhere to Shaker values in the modern age led to inventive solutions to interesting problems.

WYOMING VALLEY RANCH
After we convinced the client he was looking at the wrong site to build his dream home, he called back five years later to say that he had found the right one a few states over. And indeed it was. They wanted a casual, comfortable house where they could keep horses and fly fish, and we threw a stunning design into the mix.

This residence is on the flat valley floor of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Located next to a tributary of the Snake River, the long, linear home is situated to define the edge of a gorgeous stand of eighty-foot aspen trees and the adjacent meadow. The home is approached on a winding driveway through the aspens. Its location along the edge of the trees allows the home to enjoy spectacular views of the Grand Teton mountain range and the Teton Village ski area in one direction, and the aspen stand in the other. Elevated boardwalks and careful siting help preserve and celebrate the wetlands that meander through the site.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, VAIL STYLE
This home is for Jim Morter's old golfing buddy. Going into the project he and his wife didn't bring specific design thoughts, other than wanting it to be economical and innovative. They enjoyed the process so much that they became very involved, and even ended up doing some of the building themselves. We've spent many wonderful evenings having dinner with them in their new house.

The home is an uncommon combination of familiar forms with an interesting palette of materials and colors: rusted cor-ten steel, a master bedroom of translucent panels and strong deep colors for the wood siding and stucco elements. Standard building materials that are normally concealed are exposed and celebrated, creating interest and keeping the house affordable. The master bedroom is a bridge, which spans an existing creek that was enhanced through landscaping and rockwork. At the onset the creek was a challenge, running through the middle of the site, but after some deliberation it became an asset and a major focal point of the house.

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER / VILAR PAVILION
Morter Architects originally designed Vail's community amphitheater in the 1980s. As the valley grew and attracted world-class acts such as the New York Philharmonic and the Bolshoi Ballet, it became necessary to update and enlarge the facility.

In 2000, Morter Architects was again commissioned to improve an already award-winning and wonderful venue. The enclosed buildings of this multi-use facility are abstracted into the park setting by using retaining walls and earth berming. One is totally unaware of the buildings from the facility's perimeter and the sunken amphitheater blocks sounds from the highway and sports fields beyond. The roof planes over the fixed seating and stages are angled for acoustical effect. There are roughly 1,200 fixed seats, and grass seating for approximately 2,500 in this amphitheater, which has meant so much to the cultural scene in Vail, and to Vail's summer economy. Since the renovation, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater / Vilar Pavilion has won numerous awards.