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Custom Homes & New Structures

About Custom Homes & New Structures

I believe good architecture begins with understanding each client’s individual vision, needs, and aspirations. Rather than working within a single signature style, I approach each project with flexibility, with the goal of creating a design that is appropriate to the client, the site, and the building’s purpose.

The projects shown in this gallery include both custom residences and other building types, reflecting a wide range of architectural styles—from Modern and Contemporary to Italianate, Tudor, Mountain, and others. This diversity reflects my belief that an architect’s role is not to impose a particular style, but to help transform each client’s unique vision into a thoughtfully designed and enduring work of architecture.

 

 

Modern house on a snowy hillside at night with holiday lights, warm windows, and a car in the driveway

Modern Mountain Residence

Winter visualization of this modern mountain residence, illustrating the home's warm interior character and connection to its Colorado mountain setting.

Modern mountain home architectural rendering featuring a sloped lot, large glass windows, a dark metal roof, and an integrated garage.

Modern Mountain Residence

Construction of this 5,700 SF modern mountain residence began in the fall of 2025. Designed by Denver Architect Robert Larsen for a steeply sloping site, the home combines clean contemporary forms, expansive glass, and a restrained palette of natural and industrial materials. Intersecting low-pitched roof forms and broad overhangs create a dynamic composition while responding to the mountain setting. Exterior materials include stone veneer, vertical wood siding, standing-seam metal roofing, and exposed painted steel columns, beams, and railings. Large energy-efficient modern windows are used throughout the house, bringing abundant natural light into the interior while taking full advantage of spectacular 270-degree mountain views. Exterior decks and patios extend the living spaces into the landscape, with manufactured stone deck tiles installed over a raised pedestal system. The residence includes a Primary Suite, three ensuite bedrooms, and a Bunk Room. Soaring cathedral ceilings define the open-plan Great Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen on the main level, while the lower level includes a Family Room and Play/Craft Room. A grand staircase and elevator connect the two levels. Rather than imposing a traditional architectural style on its mountain setting, the home's distinctly modern design uses simple forms, large areas of glass, exposed structure, and carefully selected materials to create a contemporary Colorado residence closely connected to its dramatic surroundings.

Modern mountain home with dramatic gabled rooflines, large windows, stone and wood siding, and an elevated deck surrounded by pine trees.

Modern Mountain Residence

This house includes a Primary Suite, 3 Ensuite Rms, and a Bunk Rm. Living spaces include a Great Rm with Dining and Kitchen, Family Rm, & a Play-Craft Rm. A grand staircase and elevator connect the two levels.

Rear view of a modern mountain home with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic gabled rooflines, stone chimney, metal roofing, and elevated deck overlooking a wooded site.

Modern Mountain Residence

A large main level deck & lower level patio provide outdoor living space at the rear of this modern house. Sloping steel columns provide a bit of whimsy under the deck.

Aerial view of modern mountain home showing intersecting gabled metal roofs, expansive outdoor decks and patios, large windows, and integration with the wooded hillside.

Modern Mountain Residence

A large main level deck & lower level patio provide outdoor living space at the rear of the house. A sunken hot tub is located at the upper patio. Stone-clad retaining walls hold back the mountainside.

Modern mountain home with expansive upper deck, lower-level patio, hot tub, large glass walls, and dramatic gabled rooflines on a wooded hillside.

Modern Mountain Residence

A large main level deck & lower level patio provide outdoor living space at the rear of the house. Sloping steel columns provide a bit of whimsy under the deck. A sunken hot tub is located at the upper patio. Stone-clad retaining walls hold back the mountainside.

Tudor-style custom home with steeply pitched gabled roofs, stone and stucco walls, brick accents, arched windows, and a prominent timber-framed entry.

Greenwood Village, CO Tudor

Robert Larsen, Denver Architect designed this 6900 SF Tudor style home in 2008. Inspired by the picturesque traditions of French and English country architecture, this custom residence is composed of a series of projecting wings and steeply pitched gables that break the home's substantial size into comfortably scaled forms. Warm stone and stucco walls are accented by brick arches, wood shutters, multi-pane windows, and heavy timber detailing. A timber-framed entry porch provides a strong focal point, while tall masonry chimneys and an intentionally varied roofline reinforce the home's Old World character. The asymmetrical composition, changing wall planes, and combination of traditional materials give the residence the appearance of a European country house that has evolved gracefully over time. The house includes a Primary Bedroom Suite and 4 Ensuite Rooms, Formal Living & Dining Rms., Family Rm., Breakfast Nook, Exercise Rm., Rec. Rm., Wine Cellar and Bar. Exterior materials are stone veneer, stucco, rustic wood trim, and cement roof tiles.

Large custom residence with main house on the right and adjoining parents’ apartment on the left, featuring brick walls, steep rooflines, arched windows, and separate garages.

Castle Pines Country French

This 8500 SF project was designed by Robert Larsen, Denver Architect in 1989. The main residence, at right, and the parents’ apartment, at left, are composed as a unified European-inspired architectural ensemble. Each residence has its own two-car garage, while the two are connected internally at the lower level. Varied roof heights, projecting gables, masonry arches, and a distinctive tower break the substantial building mass into a picturesque collection of smaller forms. Brick masonry, steeply pitched roofs, arched multi-pane windows, and deeply recessed openings reinforce the Old World character of the architecture. Covered walkways and landscaped courtyards further unify the two residences while maintaining a sense of separation and privacy.

Close front view of a large custom residence featuring brick masonry, arched windows and entryways, multiple gabled roofs, and a prominent tower element.

Castle Pines Country French

The Main Residence provides a Primary Suite, an Ensuite Room, two additional Bedrooms, Living Rm., Family Rm, Kitchen, Dining, Breakfast Nook, Powder Rm., Billiards, Rec. Rm., and Two Car Garage. The hexagonal tower houses the main Staircase.

Rear view of large custom residence featuring brick masonry, arched windows, steep rooflines, outdoor terraces, and lower-level patios overlooking the landscaped grounds.

Castle Pines Country French

The house overlooks one of the main greens at the Castle Pines Golf Course. The Parent's Apartment on the right is connected to the Main Residence inside on the basement level. It includes a Primary Bedroom Suite, 2 Ensuite Rooms, Living, Dining, Kitchen, Exercise Room, and 2 Car Garage. The Main Residence Living Room opens on to a Deck at the rear. A matching Gazebo is a short walk away.

Architectural detail of custom brick residence showing an intimate covered courtyard with arched brick openings, climbing vines, and landscaped garden paths.

Castle Pines Country French

A Breezeway connects the Parent's Apartment on the left to the Main House on the Right. Contrasting brick details are used consistently around the project. Metal shingles cover the roof.

Rustic mountain home nestled among aspen trees, featuring natural stone walls, timber detailing, gabled roofs, and a covered entry.

Mountain Contemporary Residence

This 6,000 SF mountain contemporary residence combines expansive glass and open living spaces with the warmth of natural materials appropriate to its wooded Colorado setting. The house steps down with the sloping site, reducing its apparent mass while allowing the main living spaces to open toward the surrounding mountain landscape. Exterior materials include stone veneer, stucco, corrugated Corten steel, and rustic wood siding. Stone piers anchor the decks and large areas of glass, while the combination of weathering steel, wood, and masonry gives the contemporary architecture a warm, distinctly Colorado character. The home includes a Primary Suite, two Ensuite Rooms, Guest Bedroom, and Bunk Room. Living spaces include a Great Room with Kitchen and Dining areas, Family Room with Bar and Billiards Area, Office, Powder Room, and Mud/Laundry Room. A three-car garage and elevator are also provided. At the rear, a large main-level deck and lower-level patio provide generous outdoor living areas.

Rear view of rustic mountain home with natural stone and wood siding, large gabled windows, expansive decks, and lower-level patio surrounded by an aspen forest.

Mountain Contemporary Residence

A dramatic two-story window wall defines the Great Room and forms the architectural centerpiece of the rear elevation. Exposed timber trusses emphasize the soaring roof form, while broad decks and a lower-level patio extend the living spaces outdoors. Multiple intersecting gabled roofs break the large residence into smaller forms that respond comfortably to the scale of the mountain setting. Exterior materials include stone veneer, stucco, corrugated Corten steel, and rustic wood siding. Stone piers anchor the decks and large areas of glass, while the combination of weathering steel, wood, and masonry gives the contemporary architecture a warm, distinctly Colorado character.

Colorful mining-era Victorian house with steep gabled roofs, decorative wood trim, bay window, covered porch, and brightly painted siding.

Mining Era Victorian - Breckenridge, CO

This small house was designed by Robert Larsen, Architect for clients who had dreamed of a house in the style of a San Francisco "Painted Lady". The exterior ornamentation was required to be relatively restrained to comply with design regulations for Breckenridge's historic mining era district. The purple color was also in response to the home owner's request and does comply with the design code.

Rear view of colorful mining-era Victorian house featuring upper-level balconies, decorative wood trim, covered porches, and landscaped stone retaining walls.

The client requested Purple !

Exterior decks at the rear of the house afford views toward the Breckenridge ski slopes. The lower level includes an apartment. The upper levels are sometimes rented to honey-moon couples.

Modern brick-and-concrete residential complex arranged around a landscaped pedestrian courtyard, with two-story units, balconies, large windows, and deep architectural overhangs.

Project - College Building

An Early Exploration of Modern Architecture Designed as a college architectural project and originally rendered by hand in black-and-white ink, this design demonstrates Robert Larsen's longstanding interest in modern architecture. The original drawing was recently transformed into this photographic-quality visualization using AI.

Mountain-style custom home with natural stone walls, dark board-and-batten siding, steep gabled metal roofs, and a sheltered entry surrounded by pine and aspen trees.

Custom Mountain Residence

This 4,600 SF custom mountain residence combines traditional mountain forms and natural materials with a clean contemporary architectural expression. Multiple intersecting gabled roof forms break the house into smaller, carefully scaled masses, allowing the substantial residence to fit comfortably within its wooded mountain setting. A tall recessed entry forms the focal point of the front elevation, with expansive glazing bringing natural light deep into the center of the home. Exterior materials include stone veneer, fire-resistant board-and-batten siding, rustic wood trim, and standing-seam metal roofing. Stone is used to visually anchor the house to its site, while the darker siding and wood detailing provide contrast and reinforce its mountain character. Deep roof overhangs and strongly articulated gables add depth and shadow to the exterior composition. The home includes a Primary Suite, two Ensuite Rooms, Bunk Room, and Study/Guest Room. Living spaces include a Great Room with Kitchen and Dining areas, Recreation Room with Bar, and Media Room. A three-car garage and elevator are also provided. At the rear, a large main-level deck and lower-level patio extend the living spaces outdoors and provide opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountain environment.

Angled front view of mountain-style custom home with natural stone, dark board-and-batten siding, multiple gabled metal roofs, and an attached garage set among aspens and pines.

Custom Mountain Residence

Multiple intersecting gabled roof forms break the house into smaller, carefully scaled masses, allowing the substantial residence to fit comfortably within its wooded mountain setting. Exterior materials include stone veneer, fire-resistant board-and-batten siding, rustic wood trim, and standing-seam metal roofing. Stone is used to visually anchor the house to its site, while the darker siding and wood detailing provide contrast and reinforce its mountain character. Deep roof overhangs and strongly articulated gables add depth and shadow to the exterior composition.

Aerial rear view of mountain-style custom home showing steep metal gabled roofs, stone and wood exterior, expansive upper decks, lower patio, hot tub, and forested setting.

Custom Mountain Residence

At the rear, a large main-level deck and lower-level patio extend the living spaces outdoors and provide opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountain environment.

Passive solar caretaker’s residence featuring a two-story glass-enclosed stairway designed to collect solar heat, with stucco, brick, and wood exterior detailing.

Passive Solar Caretaker's House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Designed by Robert Larsen, Denver Architect, this three bedroom caretaker's house utilizes a glass enclosed stairway to collect solar heat. Heat is stored in concrete stairs and their supporting concrete wall which are covered in black ceramic tile. Exterior form and materials were chosen to match the adjacent main house.

Close-up of passive solar caretaker’s residence showing the two-story glass-enclosed stairway designed to collect and store solar heat.

Passive Solar House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Designed by Robert Larsen, Denver Architect, this three bedroom caretaker's house utilizes a glass enclosed stairway to collect solar heat. Heat is stored in concrete stairs and their supporting concrete wall which are covered in black ceramic tile. Exterior form and materials were chosen to match the adjacent main house.

Side view of passive solar caretaker’s residence highlighting the two-story glass-enclosed solar stairway, brick thermal-mass walls, and upper-level balcony.

Passive Solar House, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Designed by Robert Larsen, Denver Architect, this three bedroom caretaker's house utilizes a glass enclosed stairway to collect solar heat. Exterior form and materials were chosen to match the adjacent main house.

Mountain vacation home surrounded by aspens, featuring wood shingle siding, natural stone walls, multiple gabled roofs, and a welcoming covered entry.

Ohio Vacation Home

Robert Larsen, Denver Architect designed this 4200 SF vacation home which includes a Primary Bedroom Suite and two additional bedrooms. It also contains a Great Room, Kitchen, Pantry, Family Room, Office, Mud Room, and Bar. The exterior is finished with river-rock stone veneer, cedar shingles and Craftsman style wood trim.

Rear view of mountain vacation home featuring wood shingle siding, natural stone walls, outdoor terraces, and a retractable glass enclosure over the swimming pool.

Ohio Vacation Home

A large open-air deck at the rear of the house overlooks an in-ground pool covered by a retractable glazed enclosure by Libart International.

Indoor swimming pool beneath a retractable glass enclosure, with stone walls, covered patio seating, and views into the surrounding aspen forest.

Ohio Vacation Home

The large deck at the rear of the house shelters living space around the in-ground pool. The glazed enclosure by Libart International retracts at the push of a button.

Modern fire station with low concrete and masonry forms, a tall hose-drying tower, large red apparatus bay door, and landscaped urban setting.

Project - Fire Station

Robert Larsen designed this fire station in 1972 while he was employed by Sargent Webster Crenshaw & Foley Architects in Syracuse, NY. The modern building is composed of simple geometric forms expressed in ribbed concrete unit masonry and exposed concrete. The building’s functional elements become integral parts of its architectural character. The strong composition of the tall hose-drying tower and large red apparatus door immediately identifies the building as a fire station without resorting to anything obvious or decorative. Deeply recessed windows and entrances create strong patterns of light and shadow, while the low horizontal building forms contrast with the vertical tower. Together, the restrained materials, carefully proportioned masses, and clear expression of function give the station a distinctly modern architectural character.

Traditional custom home with light brick exterior, broad gabled roofs, covered central entry, and circular driveway surrounded by landscaped grounds.

Wyoming Sod Farm House

Robert Larsen designed this custom home for a couple wanting to age in place on their sod farm. The house is all on one level and with extra wide door openings for possible future wheelchair access.

Rear view of traditional custom home on a sod farm, with broad gabled roofs, light brick and siding, outdoor patio, and expansive manicured lawn.

Wyoming Sod Farm House

Robert Larsen designed this custom home for a couple wanting to age in place on their sod farm. The house is all on one level and with extra wide door openings for possible future wheelchair access. The back of the house looks out over the sod fields so the owners can guard against vandalism.

Contemporary duplex residence with symmetrical two-story design, stucco exterior, arched windows, private balconies, separate garages, and central entrances.

Duplex - 3rd & Madison, Denver, CO

This custom duplex residence was designed with two generously sized homes arranged within a unified architectural composition. A symmetrical façade, broad roof forms, arched and circular windows, stucco walls, and tile roofing give the building a contemporary Mediterranean character. Each residence has its own private entrance, garage, and outdoor balcony, while the carefully balanced massing allows the duplex to read as a single substantial residence rather than two separate attached units.

Duplex - 3rd & Madison, Denver, CO

Close-up view of contemporary duplex residence featuring stucco walls, tile roofing, arched and circular windows, and private upper-level balconies.

Garden mausoleum with a low modern colonnade, white concrete structure, dark polished crypt walls, and landscaped grounds beneath mature trees.

Garden Mausoleum, Syracuse, NY

Robert Larsen designed this Garden Mausoleum in 1972 while he was employed by Gordon Schopfer Architects in Syracuse, NY.

End view of modern garden mausoleum with a deep white concrete roof canopy, slender columns, dark vertical wall panels, and landscaped plantings beneath mature trees.

Garden Mausoleum, Syracuse, NY

Crypts were constructed of precast concrete and finished with polished granite panels and ribbed concrete masonry. The roof is a carefully detailed poured-in-place concrete waffle slab.

Close-up view of a modern garden mausoleum featuring polished dark granite crypt walls, slender concrete columns, and a deep flat roof with a coffered underside, surrounded by mature trees and landscaped plantings.

Garden Mausoleum, Syracuse, NY

Crypts were constructed of precast concrete and finished with polished granite panels and ribbed concrete masonry. The roof is a carefully detailed poured-in-place concrete waffle slab.

Residence on a sloping site with wraparound covered porch, gray siding, standing-seam metal roof, and lower-level walkout.

Wrap-Around Decks

The owners of this 4,500-square-foot home, located on the open prairie southeast of Denver, requested generous wraparound porches to take full advantage of the expansive views. The home includes a primary suite, two additional bedrooms, kitchen and pantry, living and dining areas, home office, and three-car garage. Exterior materials include fiber-cement horizontal siding and standing-seam metal roofing, creating a durable, low-maintenance exterior appropriate to its prairie setting.

Prairie residence on an open site with wraparound covered porch, gray siding, standing-seam metal roof, and lower-level walkout.

Wrap-Around Decks

This house was designed for a senior couple down-sizing from a larger home and incorporates details for energy efficiency and low maintenance.

Custom mountain residence with natural stone, wood siding, broad hipped roofs, and covered entry set among pine and aspen trees.

Castle Pines Custom Residence

This custom mountain residence was the first home designed by Denver Architect Robert Larsen after establishing his architectural practice. The design uses a low, horizontal composition with broad hipped roofs to settle the house comfortably into its wooded setting. Natural stone walls, wood siding and trim, and deep roof overhangs give the home a warm, rustic character appropriate to its mountain environment. A projecting covered entry, anchored by substantial stone piers, creates a welcoming focal point, while the long, carefully composed façade allows the house to feel substantial without overpowering its site. The combination of natural materials, restrained detailing, and strong horizontal lines reflects an approach to residential design that would continue throughout Larsen's career.

Contemporary ranch-style residence with gray siding, standing-seam metal roof, covered entry porch, and attached three-car garage.

Prairie House

Architect Robert Larsen designed this 4500 SF home for a young family which contains a Primary Bedroom Suite and two additional Bedrooms, an open plan Living, Kitchen, Dining area, Mud Room, Pantry, and large Family Room. Large decks provide outdoor living at front and rear of the home.

Rear view of contemporary ranch-style residence with gray siding, standing-seam metal roof, and expansive covered deck overlooking a wooded hillside.

Prairie House - Rear View

Large decks provide outdoor living at front and rear of the home.

Guest house built above an existing garage foundation, with wood shingles, corrugated metal siding, and metal roofs, connected by an elevated bridge to the adjacent tiny house.

Larkspur Near Net-Zero Guest House Addition

This 2200 SF Guest House provides two Bedrooms, open plan Living, Dining and Kitchen area, an Exercise Studio and a large Sun Room. It is constructed above an existing four car Garage. For energy efficiency it has air-tight construction, R44 insulation in exterior walls and R55 insulation in the roof.

Elevated enclosed bridge with wood-shingle siding and a metal roof connects the guest house to the adjacent tiny house, spanning the sloping wooded site.

Larkspur Near Net-Zero Guest House Addition

An enclosed bridge and exterior stairway connect the Guest House to the existing Main House. All materials and details were chosen to match the existing.

Existing garage built into the mountainside at left and compact multi-level tiny house at right, featuring wood shingles, corrugated metal siding, green metal roofs, and rooftop solar collectors.

Larkspur Guest House Addition - BEFORE

The guest house is constructed on the walls of an existing garage. Exterior building forms and materials were designed to match the existing main house shown here on the right.

Two-story accessory dwelling unit with traditional gabled roofs, horizontal siding, exterior stairs, and a private fenced patio beside the residence.

Littleton ADU

Designed by Denver Architect Robert Larsen, this 830-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) features two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. An exterior stairway connects the residence to the two-car garage below.

Rear view of a two-story accessory dwelling unit with horizontal siding, contrasting dark shutters, gabled roof forms, and an exterior stairway leading to the upper-level residence.

Littleton ADU

The building form and exterior details are designed to match the adjacent main house. The stairway is open to the weather so as to allow fresh air to circulate to the operable windows of the living spaces.

Street-side view of a two-story accessory dwelling unit with a two-car garage below, tan horizontal siding, white trim, dark shutters, and upper-level living space.

Littleton ADU

Wood framing of an existing garage was demolished to allow the new ADU to be constructed on existing foundations.

Traditional brick bank building with a columned portico, hipped roof, rooftop balustrade, covered drive-through entrance, and American flag, surrounded by mature trees and landscaping.

Cayuga County Savings, Auburn, NY

The owners of this bank wanted their building to be in a timeless style. There are many Colonial style homes and buildings in this region of Upstate New York.

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303-620-9911
Denver, Colorado