"We are stardust, we are golden, and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden." — Joni Mitchell, Refuge of the Roads
Chakra House stands gracefully on the western edge of Boulder, Colorado, showcasing a Western interpretation of Japanese vernacular architecture. Constructed in the late 1970s for the esteemed Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Chögyam Trungpa, this residence has significantly influenced Boulder’s cultural narrative, both nationally and globally.
In 1974, Trungpa founded the Naropa Institute—now Naropa University—North America's first accredited Buddhist university. His vision attracted figures like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs to teach, while notable students included Peter Orlovsky, Anne Waldman, John Steinbeck IV, and Joni Mitchell, who honored him in her song “Refuge of the Roads.” After Trungpa's departure in the 1980s, the house fell into disrepair, leading new owners to seek its revitalization.
The clients identified three key design goals for the renovation by architectural firm FLOWER: to enhance the entry sequence and revitalize the exterior, which had fallen into disarray; to create a cohesive kitchen, dining, and living space on the main level that addressed the previous disjointed layout; and to reconfigure the bedrooms into multiple suites.
The "before" images highlighted significant challenges: an overgrown landscape and a worn facade. The entry door, hidden at a lower level, was nearly invisible due to surrounding foliage. Inside, the house comprised isolated bedrooms, with the kitchen located at the far end of the lower level. The lack of a mudroom, dining room, main bedroom suite, and powder room underscored the need for a thoughtful redesign.
To meet the clients’ aspirations, the design team repositioned the entry door to the main level, aligning it with a newly designed entry gate and elevating it for easier access. They introduced a series of rhythmic decks and steps leading from the door, framed by steel planters and ornamental trees, all enhanced by vertical wood screens that elevated the facade.
Inside, the kitchen, dining, and living areas were transformed into a unified, square-vaulted space, enriched by tatami-inspired trim work. New wood screens added a touch of drama and privacy, while the primary suite found its home in an upper-level meditation room, anchored by a floating bathroom.
This rejuvenation of Chakra House not only respects its rich history but also paves the way for future generations to experience its serene and cultural legacy. As Joni Mitchell beautifully expresses, the journey back to our roots and the natural world is essential, echoing the spirit of this remarkable home.
Photo: Heather Burns Knieram
