A striking new residential project in Denver, Colorado, demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can maximize functionality and adaptability without requiring expensive materials or complex building systems. The CS2 House, designed by San Francisco-based NEMESTUDIO, presents a compelling study in geometric duality that challenges conventional home design while working within budget constraints.
The single-family residence stands out for its unconventional two-part structure that deliberately avoids blending into a unified architectural form. The home consists of a circular ground floor base that houses the main living areas, topped by a shed-roofed upper volume that contains the bedrooms. Rather than attempting to create visual harmony between these contrasting elements, the architects chose to maintain clear differentiation between the two geometric forms, creating a purposeful disconnect that defines both the building's facade and its interior spaces.
The ground floor represents perhaps the most innovative aspect of the design. NEMESTUDIO conceived this circular level as a single, open space organized around a central structural column and an enclosing curved wall. This flexible area incorporates a kitchen, bathroom, and double-height living space while deliberately avoiding fixed zoning or rigid room divisions. The absence of corners, inherent in the circular geometry, prevents furniture from being anchored to specific locations and allows for constantly changing spatial arrangements.
This adaptable design philosophy has proven its worth over time, as the space has successfully served multiple functions including a home office, child-friendly playroom, art studio, social gathering place, and even a temporary bedroom when needed. The circular layout's flexibility enables residents to reconfigure the space as their needs evolve, making the home truly responsive to changing life circumstances.
In contrast to the open ground floor, the upper level follows a more conventional layout with two enclosed bedrooms and a shared bathroom. The basement level adds practical storage space and includes a small guest room, providing additional accommodation options for visitors.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the CS2 House design is the deliberate misalignment between the circular base and the rectangular upper volume. This intentional offset creates a variety of architectural features including overhangs, shaded edges, and a small terrace on the upper level. These elements result in multiple outdoor spaces that wrap around different sides of the house, offering residents various options for outdoor living depending on the time of day, season, and intended use.
These transitional outdoor zones represent an organic approach to landscape design. Rather than being formally programmed or extensively landscaped, these in-between spaces emerge naturally from the building's geometry. Residents use them spontaneously for sitting, walking, or simply observing their surroundings, allowing the spaces to serve different purposes throughout the year.
The project's approach to budget constraints sets it apart from typical affordable housing solutions. Rather than treating financial limitations as purely restrictive factors, NEMESTUDIO used them as creative catalysts to explore how low-cost construction methods can actually enhance rather than compromise living patterns. The design demonstrates that architectural innovation doesn't necessarily require expensive materials or complex building systems.
Built on a modest plot within a limited budget, the CS2 House challenges the assumption that affordable housing must sacrifice design quality or functional flexibility. The project shows how geometric experimentation and thoughtful space planning can create a distinctive, highly functional home that adapts to its residents' changing needs over time.
The residence represents a broader exploration of how architectural form can actively shape everyday life while remaining accessible and affordable. By focusing on spatial relationships and geometric innovation rather than material luxury, NEMESTUDIO has created a home that offers both visual interest and practical adaptability, proving that creative design solutions can work within real-world financial constraints.
