Colorado Rocky Mountain School

The ‘Bar Fork’ dining hall at Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), in Carbondale (Colorado), USA was refurbished in 2025 under the design direction of Olivia Emery of A4 Architects. The ‘Bar Fork’ building was originally constructed in 1964 but after 60 years, had outlived its original design.

A particular challenge was finding modular sizes such that a wide variety of layouts, formal and informal, can be achieved - using 200 new LH42 chairs and stools and 31 Athena tables, tailored specifically for this project.

This remarkable outward-bound educational establishment, under the shadow of Mt Sopris (3952m), offers a rich, broad education with a rare emphasis on both mountain sports and hands-on skills in the Arts and Crafts.

CRMS now joins the long list of other schools, Oxbridge colleges, Royal Palaces, cultural institutions and other universities (such as Harvard and Yale) that understand the significance of getting the furniture right in the architectural spaces they inhabit.

Jeff Leahy, the Principal said ‘the elegant and versatile Luke Hughes custom dining furniture now transforms the space to suit any function. Since its opening, it has been exciting to see how the dining hall has transformed the way in which we gather and spend time together.’

Mark Bell, Development Director at CRMS, wrote: ‘I can't overstate how excited we are about the end result and to have had the chance to work with you on this project. The furniture takes it to a new level!

A4 Architects www.a4arc.com

Colorado Rocky Mountain School: https://www.crms.org

The Principal’s speech: Ribbon-cutting at The Bar Fork

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