High-Alpine Hideaway: The Perch House by Studio B

Here at The Coolector, we’ve got a real soft spot for architects who undertake the delicate art of breathing new life into mid-century gems. It’s a task that requires not just vision, but a deep respect for the past. So, when we saw what Colorado firm Studio B accomplished with The Perch House, we were instantly impressed.

This isn’t just any project; it’s the personal residence of the studio’s founders, Scott Lindenau and Susan Okie Lindenau. Nestled on a high-alpine slope in Aspen and surrounded by a dense grove of its namesake trees, this glorious renovation perfectly balances modern living with 1960s soul, creating a tangible sense of being perched in a magnificent treehouse.

The story of The Perch begins with a 1968 structure, originally designed by Paul Fisher. When the Lindenaus acquired it, the home was liveable but decidedly dated, its architectural character hidden behind a curtain of overgrown shrubs. In a move of genuine patience and insight, they lived in the house for four years, allowing them to intimately understand its flow, its quirks, and its failings.

When the time finally came for a full renovation, prompted by failing systems, their vision was crystal clear: strip the 2,400-square-foot house down to its studs, install completely new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, but crucially, preserve the spirit of the original structure.

This commitment to the home’s heritage is most evident on the exterior, where the original combination of handsome brick and dark-wood cladding was thoughtfully maintained. The home, a bar-shaped plan that turns up at both ends, retains its distinctive porte-cochere entrance.

Inside, however, the transformation is more pronounced. The once-segmented upper level was opened up, uniting the kitchen and living room into a singular, fluid space perfect for modern life. Downstairs, the layout was reconfigured to accommodate a bedroom, a family room, and a study.

Throughout the renovation, the team uncovered hidden character, most notably a concrete block wall in the main bedroom that had been concealed for decades behind drywall, now serving as a stunning textural feature. This is all tied together with a sophisticated palette of wide-plank oak flooring, porcelain tile, and sleek, solid-surface countertops.

Of course, a house is not a home without the personal touches, and The Perch is a masterclass in curated interior design. Susan Okie Lindenau selected the furnishings, creating a dialogue between iconic design and personal history. Stools and dining chairs from Cassina and a sofa by Vladimir Kagan sit in harmony with a reupholstered family heirloom sofa, originally purchased in Copenhagen in the 1960s.

The space is illuminated by striking fixtures from Arturo Álvarez and serves as a backdrop for the couple’s impressive collection of modern and tribal art, gathered from their global travels to Africa, South America, and beyond. In this sense, The Perch has become a “vessel of memory,” a living gallery of their adventures.

The Perch House is a stunning example of what can be achieved when contemporary design sensibilities are applied with respect and restraint. It’s a home that feels deeply connected to its spectacular landscape, with ample windows framing the shifting seasons and offering distant views when the aspen trees are bare. Studio B has not just renovated a house; they have lovingly revived it, creating a serene sanctuary that honours its past while looking squarely to the future.

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