A new guesthouse with a tight site, this elegant build adds valuable and creative space to a classic in-town residence. Modern and sleek in design, this collaboration with Berkovitz Architects (and a retired Architect-client) was not only a challenge but a tremendous reward.

LOCATION: Telluride, CO

DESIGN: 2020

SPECS: 700 SF

BUILDER: Kent Building Company

A challenging lot with a tight footprint called for more than a traditional site plan and layout. Cornet Creek provides the backdrop and ambient sounds to this high-performance mountain home located in the town of Telluride. Numerous level changes were proposed in order to create a dynamic site plan. The result is a warm and welcoming residence tucked into the aspens and at the end of the lane.

LOCATION: Telluride, CO
DESIGN: 2019
SPECS: 2100 SF
BUILDER: Richardson Construction

ANIMAS RIVER PASSIVE HOME

With clients wanting a high-performance house, this project is our third built to Passive House(PH) standards. A wonderful site by the river called for creativity that utilizes a split-level design, massive daylighting to frame views, and a unique palate of rich materials. Traditional in vernacular, this high-performance house will use a fraction of energy compared to a conventionally built home.

LOCATION: Durango, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: 2015 / 2017
SPECS: 4400 SF
BUILDER: Alpenglow Building + Design Inc.

A lush meadow with big views, great clients, and getting to rework a previous project years later has made this project one of our all time favorites. The original concept was for the house to look like it had been on the property for 100 years, perfectly nested into the landscape. This was accomplished with a historical/rustic theme that was a success. Alpenglow was fortunate enough to have new homeowners hire us 6 years later to design a tasteful addition and remodel the structure to fit the clients’ different taste and growing family. With landscaping now established, the site indeed looks like it has always cradled this house.

LOCATION: La Plata County, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: 2004 / 2011
SPECS: 2200 SF
BUILDER: Alpenglow Building + Design Inc.

A simple house on a sunny city lot, this house was ready to be updated and expanded. A full master suite and office were added to the attic space, modern steel and exposed brick set the backdrop to a contemporary interior program. Simple and elegant detailing complements the client’s eclectic furnishings. Many thanks to Character Builders for making this one shine and being great collaborators.

LOCATION: Durango, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: Completed 2020
SPECS: 2000 SF
BUILDER: Character Builders Corporation

NET ZERO GUESTHOUSE

This unique project radically changed our trajectory and understanding of buildings and technology. The clients had an understanding of passive technology and worked closely with us at the design phase as well as the build out. The result is amazing and outrageously energy efficient.

Passive building comprises a set of design principles used to attain a quantifiable and rigorous level of energy efficiency within a specific quantifiable comfort level. “Maximize your gains, minimize your losses” summarize the approach. To that end, a passive building is designed and built in accordance with these five building-science principles and consumes 70-90% less energy than the standard home.

LOCATION: Durango, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: Completed 2014
SPECS: 1400 SF

This interesting project had a tight budget and clients with large dreams. The roofline and original solarium were modified to make room for a new entry, mudroom and a dining room with 8.5’ locally fabricated lift-n-slide doors. The dated interior of dark barnwood was brightened with expansive areas of white tile, bold walls and modern detailing. The project was a successful update to a classic form.

LOCATION: Durango, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: Completed 2017
SPECS: 2400 SF

This lakeside house came to us with a myriad of issues. The kitchen was dark and uninspiring, the interior dated and there was no formal entryway. We reworked roof pitches and created a mudroom and a new kitchen addition complete with a reclaimed timberframe. For this project, we produced all the custom cabinetry, casework and trim.

LOCATION: Durango, CO
DESIGN/BUILD: Completed 2011
SPECS: 400 SF

Views to the majestic La Plata range to the north and a great solar aspect, this residence was designed to passive house standards and natural daylighting. An efficient footprint that allows for extensive ground-level access allows a seamless transition from inside to out. Extensive super-insulation and high-performance windows and doors are shown to reduce the primary energy demand by 75% over a standard built home. The client's unique program rounds out this simple modern form with character and warmth.

LOCATION: Mancos, CO
DESIGN: 2021
SPECS: 1900 SF
BUILDER: TBD