My Houzz: Wild Triangular House in Boulder
Bold colors and eclectic vintage finds meet at every angle for a Colorado homeowner
For many people, this unusual, many-sided house in Boulder, Colo., would present a design conundrum. For Judi Lesta, "It's the love of my life, a fantasy space where nothing is out of bounds."
An aerial view of the modernist architect's design on Boulder’s architecturally traditional University Hill reveals two wings made up of 16 identical triangles, each culminating in a steepled skylight. Its designer, Charles Haertling, was a civic-minded architect with strong Frank Lloyd Wright influences, and his trademark style was to bring in organic, natural components. In this case, the rooftop triangles have dual representation: They are said to be leaves of nature, with the large ceiling beams posing as veins, and to also represent the Flatiron peaks that serve as a backdrop to the city of Boulder.
Unaware of Haertling or his designs, Lesta purchased the home in 1989. "I was really lucky to have stumbled upon it," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Judi Lesta, owner of The Amazing Garage Sale
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 2,200 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, with loft
An aerial view of the modernist architect's design on Boulder’s architecturally traditional University Hill reveals two wings made up of 16 identical triangles, each culminating in a steepled skylight. Its designer, Charles Haertling, was a civic-minded architect with strong Frank Lloyd Wright influences, and his trademark style was to bring in organic, natural components. In this case, the rooftop triangles have dual representation: They are said to be leaves of nature, with the large ceiling beams posing as veins, and to also represent the Flatiron peaks that serve as a backdrop to the city of Boulder.
Unaware of Haertling or his designs, Lesta purchased the home in 1989. "I was really lucky to have stumbled upon it," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Judi Lesta, owner of The Amazing Garage Sale
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 2,200 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, with loft
Much of Lesta's décor, like the black Herman Miller chair, is original to the era of her "triangle palace." A purple and gold color scheme is carried throughout the home. When asked how many chandeliers she has (both inside and out), she says, "Too many to count or dust."
Looking down from the loft, the dining area gives good visual of the geometrically shaped doors and windows.
A large trianglular window lets in light and a breeze to the corner of the living room.
One of the two steepled skylights gives a perfect view of the eight triangles making up this wing.
The house sits on an above-ground, concrete foundation. Inside, the four cutout triangles are windows that also serve as shelves.
Each room has four triangular windows. The top hinged piece lifts up to a screen and view to the outside ground. Some of Lesta's photography of Grace Jones and the Bee Gees adorns this neon window.
Lesta uses one of the bedrooms as a hangout and memorabilia room from her days as a freelance photographer in Los Angeles. Lesta's photography portfolio includes DEVO, Bob Marley, Blondie, President Ford and Donna Summer.
A piece by Austrian artist Egon Shiele hangs next to the custom fireplace. The angles on the chimney and hood mimic the roofline and mountain peaks.
When Lesta moved into the Noble House, all the walls were white and the décor antique. Since then, she has painted walls, floors and stairwells, and adorned every corner of space with trinkets and collectibles. "It is a very freeing home," she says.
One of the few rounded items in the home is the violet, metal spiral staircase leading to the loft.
Judi Lesta at her front door.
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Next: Houzz Tours in Every Style
More unusual homes:
Creative Living in 600 Square Feet
Ingenious Garage Makeover in Bordeaux
Next: Houzz Tours in Every Style
The home has been called the Space Craft Home, the Pyramid, the Teepee and the Umbrella. Haertling himself dubbed it a wigwam structure. Over time, it has matured into the local landscape while maintaining unique status and continuing to capture the curiosity of passersby. The city of Boulder has designated the home as a historic landmark.