About 9 Leaming Road
When Broadmoor Heights was subdivided in the 1960s, two lots between Sanford and Upland Road were sold. One became a home; the other stayed untouched - fenced off and left wild with scrub oak, white fir, and ponderosa pine. In 2024, this long-vacant property was finally sold, marking a transition after years of preservation in its natural condition.
The 0.8-acre property is located on the slope of Cheyenne Mountain, below the Zoo and Will Rogers Shrine, directly across from Broadmoor Open Space.
A New Home
This modern Colorado residence, designed by Colorado Springs architect Christy Riggs, is conceived as a refined dwelling within its natural setting—an intentional, man-made forest carefully composed within the surrounding native woodland. At approximately 5,000 square feet, including the main residence and a detached two-car garage, the home is crafted with a palette of high-quality, natural materials that echo the textures and tones of the site. A prominent vertical stone feature wall, constructed from native Pikes Peak granite, anchors the composition and grounds the home within its regional context.
Exposed glulam columns, beams, and deep roof overhangs create a rhythmic architectural expression, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior living while framing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Fire mitigation is integral to the design, with selective tree removal establishing a defensible 20-foot perimeter and all exterior components—roofing, siding, windows, decks, and structural systems—meeting stringent fire-resistance standards.
The landscape strategy preserves much the existing character vegetation while introducing thoughtfully placed new plantings at the entry and along the home’s edges, reinforcing the layered forest concept. Together, the architecture and landscape form a cohesive system—an immersive, curated extension of the natural environment.
The site’s arrival sequence is further enhanced by replacing the existing chain-link fence with a refined entry gate and non-wood fencing, establishing a sense of arrival that aligns with the home’s material integrity and contemporary character.
Project Team
- Architecture: Christy Riggs AIA - 308 LLC
- Builder: Frank Castellano – Rampart Construction Inc.
- Civil Engineering: John Fornander P.E. - Terra Nova Engineering, Inc.
- Structural Engineering: Steve Horner P.E. - HCDA, Inc.
- Mech/Elec/Plumb: Coree Forrester, P.E. & Ryan Frerichs, Project Manager: Local Group Engineering LLC
- Landscape Architecture: John MacKay PLA - Higher Ground Designs, Inc.
- Architectural Designer & 3D Visualization: Bela Godinho - 308 LLC
- Owner: Martin Newton
All members of the Project Team are based in Colorado Springs and licensed professionals in their respective fields.
Project Timeline
Phase 1: Site Preparation & Infrastructure
Hillside, Drainage, Utility, and Landscape plans have been submitted to the City of Colorado Springs Development Review Enterprise, and are currently in the review process.
After approval, initial site work will begin. The property contains over 100 trees of varying sizes, ages, and levels of health. In cooperation with an on-site walk of the property with Colorado Springs Fire Department, select trees located within approximately 20 feet of the proposed home will need to be removed to accommodate construction and fire mitigation, while significant character trees outside of that perimeter will be preserved to help maintain soil stability and the natural landscape. This phase will also include preliminary grading for the driveway and create a staging area for construction to keep materials off Sanford Road.
Phase 2: Home Construction & Site Improvements
Following completion of Phase 1 and approvals through PPRBD, construction of the residence will begin. This phase will include final grading, foundation work, and full home construction.
Additional improvements will include installation of the permanent driveway, construction of low retaining walls to support the existing slopes, and installation of a new property fence to replace the existing chain link. A septic system, as required, will be constructed in the northeast portion of the property where it works with the natural grading of the site. To support long-term energy efficiency, a 24-panel solar array will be installed above the garage.