In the Colorado foothills, a home’s exterior must do more than make a visual impression. It must perform. From wildfire threats to snow loads, woodpeckers to wind shear, homes in places like Evergreen and Conifer are constantly tested by nature. And yet, mountain homes must still find their place in the landscape with quiet confidence and timeless beauty.
That balance—between durability and design, utility and aesthetics—is exactly what guided the full transformation of the Giezen residence in Evergreen, a home built in 1975 with original siding that had weathered nearly 50 years of mountain life.
“The homeowners really wanted a mountain-modern look—something we specialize in… ”
From Dated Design to Mountain Modern Vision
When Bellwether first visited the Giezen home, the structure had good bones, but its exterior no longer matched its potential or its surroundings. A Mansard-style roof wrapped around the upper story in cedar shake shingles, extending vertically down the walls in a style that was once popular but had become a visual outlier in the foothills. The original siding had never been replaced. Decades of Colorado sun had faded the cedar. Moisture damage and pest intrusion were ongoing concerns, and holes from flickers and nuthatches dotted the exterior walls. The Mansard itself wasn’t just dated, it was actively working against the home’s performance and appearance.
The homeowners were ready for a fresh start. Their goal was clear: modernize the home’s exterior while making it more durable, more efficient, and more visually in tune with its environment.
The Design Strategy: Respect the Site, Elevate the Structure
Bellwether’s design team approached the project with a philosophy we bring to all foothills homes: let the setting guide the materials, and let the architecture breathe.
The first major change was also the most transformative: removing the Mansard roof entirely. This architectural adjustment reshaped the home’s proportions, revealing height and structure that had long been buried beneath heavy, outdated lines. The new roofline allowed for clearer transitions between siding planes and trim, creating visual clarity and a more cohesive facade.
Next came material selection. The team specified James Hardie Iron Gray Board and Batten siding for the majority of the home. Its clean vertical lines brought energy and height to the elevation, while the Iron Gray tone offered modern elegance that still felt grounded in the natural surroundings.
To soften and warm the palette, the design incorporated Warm Espresso WoodTone Rustic lap siding on key accent walls. This is a James Hardie fiber cement siding product with a two-tone, stained wood look. The combination of dark earth tones and wood texture created contrast and visual rhythm, honoring the home’s wooded setting without relying on traditional wood products that require high maintenance and invite pests.
A Word From the Field
As Dave Neuhausel, the Project Guide on this project explained:
“This home presented unique challenges. The original architecture was more traditional, and it never fully fit into the Evergreen landscape. The homeowners really wanted a mountain-modern look—something we specialize in—so we were excited to take on the challenge. The James Hardie Board and Batten combined with WoodTone Rustic siding gave us that modern mountain feel, while also offering fire resistance and protection from woodpeckers and the harsh elements. We also resurfaced the flat EPDM roof to make sure the entire exterior was maintenance-friendly and built to last.”
Window Upgrades That Match the Vision
To complement the updated siding, Bellwether installed six new Pella Lifestyle windows, replacing the original single-pane units that had become inefficient and outdated.
The new windows feature black EnduraClad exteriors, a modern touch that pairs well with the Iron Gray siding, and white interior wood frames that keep the home’s interior bright, classic and clean. With their low-profile design and aluminum cladding, these windows deliver both energy efficiency and aesthetic alignment with the home’s new look.
These windows didn’t just improve performance—they helped visually reinforce the home’s new architectural rhythm, with consistent sizing, sharper trim details, and cleaner sightlines.
Blending Aesthetics and Performance
At a glance, this transformation is stunning. But behind the surface beauty is a deeper, more intentional strategy: every product, color and detail was chosen to perform under pressure.
• James Hardie fiber cement siding resists wildfire, pests and extreme weather.
• Pella windows offer industry-leading energy efficiency and beautiful design.
• Color selections reflect the surrounding environment rather than compete with it.
This isn’t a home that was merely updated. It was reimagined for mountain life and built to last.
The Foothills Standard: What This Project Represents
The Giezen home now stands as a prime example of how foothills properties can be transformed without sacrificing their character, and without compromising on performance.
Too often, homeowners assume they must choose between a durable exterior or a beautiful one. This project proves otherwise. With the right design strategy, modern materials and experienced craftsmanship, it’s possible to achieve both, and to ensure the results will last through decades of Colorado seasons.
The Bellwether Approach: Thoughtful, Local, Committed
At Bellwether, we specialize in exterior design tailored to life at elevation. Our team takes the time to understand your home, your priorities and your surroundings. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, because every mountain home is different. And every homeowner deserves a partner who sees the full picture.
The Giezen family trusted us with a dramatic transformation, and we’re proud to have delivered a home that’s no longer hiding under outdated siding, but standing tall in a place it truly belongs.
Thinking About Your Own Exterior? Let’s Talk.
If your home’s exterior no longer reflects the beauty of your location—or if you’re tired of patching woodpecker holes, battling peeling paint, or replacing warped trim and cupping cedar—it might be time for a change. Let’s start with a conversation. Visit bellwetherhomes.com/evergreen to explore more transformations, schedule a consultation, or meet the team behind the projects.
