From the iconic views of Vail to the alpine luxury of Aspen, Colorado offers a backdrop unlike anywhere else. But designing an outdoor space in the mountains comes with unique considerations—and incredible potential. At AquaTerra Outdoors, we specialize in crafting high-end, functional outdoor environments tailored to each region we serve. And when it comes to Colorado outdoor design, it’s all about embracing the elements while enhancing the experience.
1. Terrain and Topography: Design That Works With the Land
Mountain properties are anything but flat, and that’s what makes them so special. Working with natural elevation changes requires a thoughtful approach to layout and flow. Our design team evaluates each site’s slope, drainage, and existing features to create terraced patios, seamless transitions, and views that unfold as you move through the space.
Whether you’re carving a spa deck into a hillside or aligning a fire pit with a panoramic valley view, good design works with the land—not against it.
2. Outdoor Living for Four Seasons
Colorado’s climate calls for outdoor spaces that adapt. A backyard in Aspen isn’t just for summer lounging—it’s for year-round enjoyment. That’s why we incorporate elements like:
- Heated patios and walkways to melt snow and extend usability
- Covered seating areas that provide shade in summer and shelter in winter
- Outdoor spas for cold-weather soaking
- Fire features for warmth, ambiance, and gathering
Every detail is planned to help clients enjoy their space, whether it’s 75° and sunny or snow is falling softly around them.
3. Material Selection Matters More at Elevation
Mountain environments are tough on materials. Freeze-thaw cycles, intense UV exposure, and shifting ground conditions can cause major wear over time. That’s why we specify durable, weather-resistant materials that perform in Colorado’s climate and look refined.
Think:
✔ Natural stone with a modern cut
✔ Sustainable hardwoods or wood-alternative decking
✔ Powder-coated steel or aluminum for furniture and structures
These choices don’t just protect your investment—they help your space age beautifully with its surroundings.
4. Framing the View, Not Competing With It
In a place like Vail or Aspen, the landscape is the feature. Our role as designers is to create outdoor environments that frame, highlight, and enhance the view, not distract from it. That might mean a lower-profile seating area, native planting that blends with the mountainside, or a water feature that echoes a nearby stream.
5. Custom Design for Second Homes and Seasonal Retreats
Many Colorado properties are second homes or seasonal retreats, which means their outdoor spaces need to be both low-maintenance and ready to impress. Our design services are perfect for homeowners who want to plan the perfect outdoor experience, even if they’re not there year-round.
We provide detailed 2D/3D designs, material selections, and construction-ready plans that your local builder can execute with precision. Want help managing the process? We also offer Construction Administration to review bids, coordinate remotely, and provide monthly site visits if needed.
Bringing AquaTerra Outdoors to Colorado
Our award-winning design team is now available nationwide, including the Colorado Rockies. We’re proud to bring our creative process to Aspen, Vail, and beyond with the same attention to detail and luxury aesthetic that has defined our work in Texas and beyond.
Want to learn more about how our Design Services work?
Check out this blog: Design Services: Bringing Award-Winning Outdoor Living to You—Wherever You Are