Sustainability arose as an unintentional overall theme for the 2011 awards, according to Builder Magazine Senior Design Editor Jenny Sullivan, who used Arch11’s winning design for the Syncline residence as an example: “The 2011 Project of the Year—a house that took the top spot for its kitchen, but also garnered additional awards for two of its baths—actually applied for LEED certification as an afterthought,” she wrote, “and came away with the organization’s gold award.”

Describing the Arch11-designed and Hammerwell-built Syncline residence as a “serene home” that “sits on the line where the Great Plains and the city of Boulder converge with the foothills of the Rockies,” the awards coverage goes on to praise the design’s connection to its setting, including its use of earthy materials such as limestone, Pennsylvania bluestone, soapstone and Australian jarrah wood, to “evoke the colors and textures of the natural landscape.”

Entries for the 2011 Watermark Awards were judged by a panel recognized for their expertise in the home building industry and considering criteria including innovation in architecture, floor plan efficiency and creative use of materials and interior design.

Founded in 1993, Arch11 has gained recognition for projects ranging from exceptional residences to institutional planning, mixed-use development and product design, including a 2009 Firm of the Year Award from the Colorado AIA North chapter. Based in Boulder, Colo., Arch11 has 30 combined years of green building technology leadership. The staff’s unusual level of hands-on experience ranges from boat building to furniture making, contributing to its reputation for commitment to craft, detailing and design integrity. For additional information visit www.arch11.com.

“Pushing the limits of  style, image, material, purpose and performance, today’s designers, especially those at the leading edge, are highly engaged with society’s most pressing challenges,” says Andrews.  “I am honored to receive these awards that recognize my passion for architecture and my unwavering commitment to the profession of architecture, our community of young aspiring architects, and a continued dedication to cultivating a design ethic that is of great value to my partners, our practice, and our community.”

The Young Architect of the Year award recognizes the individual achievements of a young architect—licensed for 10 years or less—whose contribution to the profession of architecture in Colorado has been outstanding as demonstrated by community involvement, design skills and dedication to the profession.

The Instructor of the Year award honors outstanding mentorship provided by a Colorado instructor or faculty member to architectural students, interns, young architects and the profession.

The Walnut Loft received a Citation for Interior Design. The jury comments included, “great control of design,” “detailing is exceptional” and “a creative material palette.”

In the Unbuilt category the Alpine House in Boulder, CO garnered a Merit Award for its, “perfect proportions and clarity.”

The Syncline House was recognized with a Merit Award for Residential projects. Jury comments, “ Wonderful exterior spaces,” “clean, simple details,” “connects to the landscape,” “architect had great control of the design.”

The Honor Award was given to the Orchard Street House for Interiors. The jury spoke clearest about the project, “This project rose up and stood out. Very impressive spatial organization. Clarity in plan. Wonderful moments of color. Total design, space, light, volume, furniture, details—every element is impeccable and we can’t find a flaw. This is a very deserving project.”

We are grateful to our clients for believing in our work and to each and every crafts-person who executed it with care and precision.  Arch11 continues to provide modern, environmentally responsible architecture and interior design.

These biennial awards are known for offering insight into the latest design and we are thrilled to have one of our designs selected in an international event as competitive as the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Competition – as well as to be recognized by our design peers for the Designers’ Choice award. The kitchen is in the Syncline House residence, which received LEED gold certification.

The Syncline kitchen combines timeless natural materials like Carrara Marble and American Walnut with the high-tech convenience of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances in a clean-lined design that integrates a cook’s kitchen with an open plan seating space. A receding glass wall allows the counter to act as outdoor bar seating. A large “appliance garage” keeps blender, toaster, and juicer easily accessible but hidden from view to maintain the kitchen’s modernist appeal.

Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335

Sub-Zero /Wolf Design Awards