Big Cabin | Little Cabin is a modern family residence in Fairplay, Colorado, designed by Renée del Gaudio Architecture. The project is a contemporary take on the traditional American cabin, splitting the living spaces into two distinct, minimalist volumes to accommodate the family's desire for privacy. Perched on a cliff at 10,000 feet, the cabins offer sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Collegiate Peaks, and the South Platte River. The design is informed by the character of traditional utilitarian structures found in the region, featuring simple rectangular forms, steeply pitched metal roofs, and exterior cedar siding that is stained dark to help the structure blend into the surrounding pine forest. The cabins sit on isolated pier foundations, which minimizes excavation, maintains the natural topography of the rocky site, and allows snow and water runoff to flow freely underneath. A steel grate deck connects the two structures and wraps around a mature pine tree, creating a protected, central outdoor space. The interior palette is also simple and rustic, with raw plywood walls and ceilings. Large windows and a rectangular floor plan maximize natural light and passive solar gain, while carefully placed operable windows encourage natural cross-ventilation. Energy efficiency is a core component of the design, with a highly insulated thermal envelope, efficient appliances, LED lighting, and low-e double and triple-pane windows. A high-efficiency boiler provides radiant floor heating, and a wood-burning stove provides additional warmth and ambiance. The home is also pre-wired for a solar array that is intended to supply 100% of its electricity. Credits Architect: Renée del Gaudio, Renée del Gaudio Architecture Photographer: David Lauer Photography