For many people, this odd, many-sided house in Boulder, Colo., could introduce a design conundrum. For Judi Lesta,”It is the love of my life, a dream space where nothing is out of bounds”
A aerial view of the modernist architect’s design on Boulder’s architecturally traditional University Hill reveals two limbs made up of 16 identical triangles, each culminating in a steepled skylight. Its designer, Charles Haertling, was a civic-minded architect with powerful Frank Lloyd Wright influences, and his signature style was to make organic, natural components. In cases like this, that the rooftop triangles have dual representation: They are thought to be leaves of nature, together with all the huge ceiling beams posing as veins, and additionally to 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.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Judi Lesta, owner of The Amazing Garage Sale
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 2,200 square feet, 3 bedroom, two baths, with loft
Leslie Bentson
Upon arrival at the front door, one gets hauled to a Seussian, topsy-turvy frame of mind. The home, known as The Noble House, was first commissioned and built from the Noble family in 1958. It is one of over 40 buildings made by Haertling in Boulder from 1953 to 1983.
The home was known as the Space Craft Home, the Pyramid, the Teepee and the Umbrella. Haertling himself dubbed it a wigwam structure. Over time, it has grown into the neighborhood landscape while maintaining unique standing and continuing to catch the interest of passersby. The city of Boulder has designated the home as a historic landmark.
Leslie Bentson
Much of Lesta’s décor, like the black Herman Miller chair, is first to the age of her”triangle palace” A gold and purple color scheme is carried throughout the home. When asked the number of chandeliers she has (both inside and out), she says,”Too many to count dust”
Leslie Bentson
Looking down from the attic, the dining area gives great visual of this geometrically shaped doors and windows.
Leslie Bentson
A sizable trianglular window lets in light and also a cinch to the corner of their living space.
Leslie Bentson
One of the two steepled skylights provides a perfect view of the eight triangles making this up wing.
Leslie Bentson
The house sits in an above-ground, concrete base. Indoors, the four cutout triangles are windows that also serve as shelves.
Leslie Bentson
Each area has four triangular windows. The top hinged bit lifts up to a screen and see to the outside ground. A number of Lesta’s pictures of Grace Jones and the Bee Gees adorns this neon window.
Leslie Bentson
Lesta uses one of the bedrooms as a hangout and memorabilia space in the days as a freelance photographer in Los Angeles. Lesta’s photography portfolio comprises DEVO, Bob Marley, Blondie, President Ford and Donna Summer.
Leslie Bentson
A bit by Austrian artist Egon Shiele hangs alongside the customized fireplace. The angles on the hood and chimney mimic the roofline and mountain peaks.
Leslie Bentson
When Lesta moved to the Noble House, all the walls were whitened and the décor antique. Since then, she has painted partitions, floors and stairwells, and adorned each corner of room using trinkets and collectibles. “It is a very freeing home,” she says.
Leslie Bentson
One of the few rounded items in the residence is the violet, metal spiral staircase leading to the attic.
Leslie Bentson
Judi Lesta in her front door.
More unusual homes:
Creative Living in 600 Square Feet
Ingenious Garage Makeover at Bordeaux
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