Animas River Craftsman
Mountain craftsman elegance overlooking the Animas River
Location
Durango, CO
Completed
2023
Roof Area
4,600 sq ft
Home Size
5,400 sq ft
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
4
Elevation
6,500 ft
Duration
12 weeks
Project Overview
The Animas River Craftsman is a 5,400 sq ft mountain craftsman home perched on a hillside overlooking the Animas River valley with panoramic views of the La Plata Mountains. The complex multi-level roofline with multiple gables, dormers, and a covered outdoor living area required precision engineering and flawless execution.
The Story
Mark and Susan G. are Durango natives who spent 30 years building their careers before returning to build their dream home on a hillside they'd admired since childhood. They wanted a home that honored Durango's craftsman architectural tradition — exposed timber, river rock, and honest materials — while incorporating modern performance standards. The roofline was designed to echo the surrounding mountain ridges, with multiple gables stepping down the hillside to follow the natural terrain. Alpine Peak's team worked closely with the architect to ensure every roof plane drained properly and every intersection was sealed against Durango's intense summer thunderstorms.
Architectural Design
Gourmet kitchen with professional range, custom cabinetry, and river valley views
Interior Highlights
The covered outdoor living area features a stone fireplace with a reclaimed timber mantel, a built-in grill and pizza oven, and a dining area for 10 — all with unobstructed views of the Animas River and the La Plata Mountains. The indoor kitchen features a 48-inch Thermador range and custom alder cabinetry.
Project Specifications
Roofing Details
The GAF Timberline HDZ in Weathered Wood was chosen to complement the home's natural wood and stone exterior. The system features full StormGuard coverage on all valleys, eaves, and around the three stone chimneys. Custom copper chimney caps and crickets prevent water intrusion, and the ventilation system was designed to handle the significant temperature differentials between Durango's hot summers and cold winters.
Key Features
- Multi-level roofline following natural terrain
- Custom copper chimney caps and crickets
- Full StormGuard coverage on all critical areas
- Ventilation designed for extreme temperature differentials
- Three-car garage with matching roofline
Challenges & Solutions
The hillside location created significant access challenges — materials had to be staged at the top of the property and transported down to the various roof levels. The multi-level design meant the crew was essentially working on five separate roofs that all had to integrate seamlessly. Durango's summer monsoon season also required careful scheduling to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
"We grew up looking at this hillside, dreaming about building here someday. Alpine Peak helped make that dream real with a roof that's as beautiful as the view."
— Susan G., Homeowner
