What makes the city of Boulder so astonishing? Is it the breathtaking Colorado mountain views? Of course. Is it the many outdoor adventures that you can partake in this landscape? Definitely! Is it the progressive and warm community that surrounds you? Absolutely! But that’s not all.

There’s another aspect of the city many people admire, and that’s modern architecture. If you take a walk through some of the neighborhoods, you’ll notice a very bold, very modern architectural trend – industrial design.

Now, don’t mistake this for the cold, utilitarian structures that people usually think of when they hear industrial design being mentioned. In Boulder, the architects found a way to blend this style with the surroundings, so what you get is something completely unique and beautiful.

Read on and explore how Boulder’s modern architecture merged with the form and function of industrial design.

Practical Benefits of Industrial Design

With industrial design, you have buildings looking more modern, but the looks aren’t all there is to it. Industrial design has a bunch of practical benefits and, for Boulder’s climate, it’s a surprisingly smart choice.

For instance, steel trusses give incredible structural integrity and for architects, this means that they can design open spaces with less support walls. The result? Expansive interiors that are versatile and can be used for residential purposes, commercials, and even public spaces. Steel is very durable and enhances the structures, so there’s less need for repairs, plus (long-term) maintenance costs are lower.

Boulder receives heavy snowfall, plus the winds can get really strong, which means that the architecture there needs industrial materials to be reliable. Steel trusses can handle significant loads and still keep their shape and strength, so buildings stay safe and functional no matter the season.

Materials often used other than steel would mostly be concrete, brick, and engineered wood. Concrete walls are excellent for insulation and they’re resistant to fire, with brick adding thermal mass and keeping the temperature indoors comfortable all year. This might not seem like a big deal if you’re lucky enough to live in a mild climate, but in Boulder, seasonal extremes can get… Well, extreme. In conditions like that, you need all the help you can get to keep the temperature consistent.

Some good examples would be the commercial and community buildings of Boulder, with spacey interiors and tall ceilings and being as aesthetically appealing as practical.

The Most Important Industrial Design Elements in Boulder’s Architecture

Boulder’s architecture has a few key design elements that make it unique and that make it blend with the city’s environment. Let’s see what they are.

1. Steel Trusses and Beams

Exposed steel trusses and beams are the base of contemporary structures in Boulder. As we already mentioned, they’re both supportive and they look beautiful. With these elements, you get open interiors with high ceilings and the spaces can be used for almost anything.

Sunshine Canyon House is the perfect example of how aesthetic exposed steel beams are. They’re the perfect complement to the mountainous setting, and the atmosphere inside the house is airy and spacious.

2. Raw Materials

You’ll see a good amount of concrete, brick, and unfinished wood in Boulder’s industrial design. It adds texture and warmth to buildings and connects the architecture to Colorado’s unique nature that surrounds them, while still looking modern.

The Modern Farmhouse Project by HMH Architecture + Interior is a great example, with its exposed beams and natural materials that create a cozy ambiance.

3. Sustainable Features

One of the best things about Boulder’s industrial design is that it usually incorporates sustainable materials and practices which, as we all know today, is more of a necessity than a cool bonus. These materials are durable, recyclable, and it’s fantastic to see them being used so heavily.

The Blue Mountain Modern Home, which was designed by architect Cherie Goff, uses steel and other sustainable materials to get an energy-efficient, almost net-zero residence.

4. Lighting and Open Spaces

Boulder’s modern architecture is all about having as much natural light as possible and open spaces. Large windows, skylights, and open floor plans look breathtaking, but they also reduce energy consumption because there’s less need for artificial lighting.

If you want to see how this looks in practice, check out the Swoon Art House. Its expansive glass elements flood the interior with natural light.

5. Reusing Industrial Spaces

If the trend is industrial, it only makes sense to repurpose existing industrial structures, right?

Some industrial structures in Boulder have been repurposed into functional spaces. For instance, the digital advertising agency IMM remodeled an old warehouse in East Boulder. Now, it’s an office with an incredible amount of natural light and the industrial features give it a modern twist.

Conclusion

Suppose you’re looking for a master class in rugged, gruff modern industrialism with natural elegance. In that case, Boulder will provide you with a fine example of what modern architecture can do. It’s not to be missed or taken for granted: the whole aesthetic is absolutely striking and will serve as a colossal source of inspiration.

More than that, though, the beauty of Boulder’s modern structures is that they’re made to endure and motivate.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com