Del Norte

2018

Del Norte is a custom home organized around stone, wood, and glass, with living spaces that open to a pool courtyard through walls of glazing.

Stone, stucco, and glass

Del Norte is built from a small palette used carefully: dry-stacked stone walls, white stucco volumes, and broad wood-lined overhangs that carry the flat roofline out over the terrace. Clerestory windows run above the main rooms, so daylight comes in high while the stone keeps the base of the house grounded. At the back, wood decking steps down to a pool that sits tight to the living spaces, close enough that the water reads as part of the room.

The joints between trades

Homes like this one depend on the joints between trades: stone meeting steel, stucco meeting wood, big glass units landing exactly where the drawings say. Our job on Del Norte was the same as it is on every Fernhill build, holding those details through construction so the finished rooms feel calm instead of complicated. Completed in 2018, the house has the qualities we aim for in all of our work: simple forms, durable materials, and craft you feel more than notice.

What is pre-construction?

Pre-construction is the planning phase where design, budget, scope, and constructability are aligned before building begins. It typically includes budgeting, scheduling, coordination with the design team, site analysis, and early decision-making that helps establish a stronger foundation for the project overall.

Cost-plus vs fixed-price construction

Cost-plus construction allows projects to evolve transparently as design decisions are refined, while fixed-price contracts are typically best suited for fully defined scopes with limited change. For architecturally driven residential projects, cost-plus structures often provide greater flexibility and clearer visibility into how decisions impact the overall project budget.

How does Fernhill work with architects?

Fernhill works closely alongside architects throughout both design development and construction, helping support the project through constructability input, budgeting, coordination, and disciplined execution. The goal is always to protect design intent while ensuring the project remains aligned with the realities of construction.

Why involve a builder early in design?

Early builder involvement allows key decisions around constructability, cost, sequencing, and site logistics to be addressed while the design is still flexible. This helps reduce unnecessary redesign, maintain alignment with budget expectations, and create a smoother transition into construction.

What does a custom home cost in Boulder?

Custom home costs in Boulder can vary significantly depending on site conditions, design complexity, level of finish, and structural requirements. At Fernhill, projects typically begin around $700 per square foot, with highly design-driven homes often exceeding $1,000 per square foot depending on the level of customization, structural complexity, and material selection.

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