01
Facts
Year
2026
Location
Lyons, Colorado
Type
Wildfire Rebuild
The land came first
Eagle Ridge sits on an exposed ridge in Lyons, Colorado, on the exact site where our clients lost their previous home to a wildfire. The reason they chose to build here again was not abstract. It was the land, and the feeling of being exactly where they wanted to be. The trees that survived are bare snags, the ground is mostly rock, and the wind gets a full run at the building. So the house going back up is quiet and disciplined: a compact gable form with simple roof lines and openings that face the Front Range.
Before anything was built
Our work started before anything was built. We gave the client and the design team an analysis of which construction methods would get disproportionately expensive on this site, so the concept could take shape knowing where budget should be absorbed and where it should be protected. Decisions got made earlier and more clearly because of it. On site, we poured footings in the fall of 2025 and had the structure framed by spring, then wrapped the whole shell, roof included, in a fully adhered SOLITEX ADHERO 3000 membrane, taped and sealed as one continuous layer. On an open ridge, that envelope earns its keep. Quiet discipline is the whole job here.
From the Fernhill podcast, recorded on site
01
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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.
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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.
03
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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.
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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.
05
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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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Projects
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