As students return to campuses across the country for the start of another semester, colleges are starting to showcase some serious strides in sustainability. Some are investing in wind power and other alternative energies to help lower their carbon footprint, while others are endeavoring to green their facilities. Penn State is leading the charge with its gorgeous LEED Gold Stuckeman School of Architecture.

It seems only appropriate that an architecture school should express its dedication to the field with a stunning sustainable structure. The Stuckeman Family Building for the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) was designed by Pittsburgh-based WTW architects to incorporate a variety of environmental initiatives, earning it an impressive LEED Gold rating.

The four-story, 111,000-square-foot building boasts a beautiful exterior constructed from recycled copper and brick. Rainwater recycling systems capture water in cisterns for landscape irrigation, and an integrated storm water management system helps mitigate flooding.

As for the interior, the building has taken advantage of daylighting in addition to automated lighting controls and smart sensors that recognizes when people are inside – good for those caffeine-fueled all-nighters. The energy-efficient windows are motorized and can open up to utilize natural ventilation for the brisk morning breezes to wake you after you have fallen asleep at the drafting board. All in all it is an excellent example of sustainable architecture and stands as a fitting inspiration for the architects of tomorrow.

Located in one of the last truly private, serene areas with an easy commute of the city. Located just 15 minutes to Golden, 35 minutes to downtown Denver, and 35 minutes to Boulder, this 5296 square foot home sits on 10.2 acres in a small, gated enclave. The unique architecture of this residence takes advantage of its dramatic setting with rooms oriented to maximize the panoramic views of Pikes Peak to the south, Red School Ranch to the west, and city lights to the northeast. Within walking distance to White Ranch Park are miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The Remodeling Council of the HBA of Metro Denver awarded this home first place in 2004 for the fully furnished basement.

FLOOR PLAN

Main level
Grand tiled entry: study/bedroom with cherry built-in bookcase, desk, and large windows with mountain views; guest half bath, and third bedroom with full bath including a huge glass enclosed shower/bathtub; a great room with cherry built-ins, extensive windows and deck access; formal dining area, chef’s dream kitchen; huge laundry/mud room with tile floor, 2 closets, utility sink, washer, dryer, garage entry and a bench perfect for removing those dirty shoes. Even the laundry room has views!

Upper level
Loft area ideal for quiet reading space or computer desk; master suite with immense walk-in closet complete with organizers; master bath, and bonus room.

Walk-out
This 1696 square foot area received the first place C.A.R.E. 2004 award from the Remodelors Council of the HBA of Metro Denver. The bar area includes slab granite countertops and island area,with moss rock base, Sub Zero refrigerator drawers, a convection oven/microwave, Miele dishwasher, Scotsman ice maker, Franke faucet and sink, Dacor warming drawer, and custom built cabinets. The entertainment area has a state of the art audio/visual area including a large built in screen. There are full barrel ceiling niches and custom cabinetry with marble tops. A large Colorado moss rock fireplace makes the area cozy and warm. An elegant guest room and exercise room have large windows offering mountain views. The bathroom includes a double steam shower with massage jets, custom glasswork by a local artist, and beautiful tile work. Enter the wine cellar through a hand carved door with stone arched door jambs inspired by old world castle building. The wine cellar was designed around a large rock which is part of the original foundation. Storage areas and mechanical rooms complete this level. Italian tile flooring, custom lighting and ceiling are throughout.

Features of this home
The unique architecture of this home offers numerous windows, vaulted ceilings, art niches, rounded walls, and large rooms. The gourmet kitchen has slab granite, solid cherry cabinets, a center island complete with Dacor gas cook-top and breakfast bar. High quality appliances include a Dacor oven, a new Bosch dishwasher, and oversized corner sink. The back deck is perfect for entertaining and can be accessed from the kitchen and dining area. Glass front cabinets and cherry built-in-shelves offer space for your dining room valuables. The great room that is open to the kitchen/dining room has floor to ceiling windows revealing expansive views and rock outcroppings. A slate surround peninsular fireplace warms the great room, dining room and kitchen. The master suite is truly luxurious with mountain and city light views! The large picture window situated above the jetted tub in the five piece master bath showcases Pikes Peak and surrounding mountain views for your morning pleasure. A “bonus room” with double entry doors and private deck access completes the master suite. This is an ideal area for a nursery, workout room, sitting area, or second study.