Elk Meadow Lodge
Where Telluride's box canyon meets architectural excellence
Location
Telluride, CO
Completed
2022
Roof Area
5,200 sq ft
Home Size
7,100 sq ft
Bedrooms
6
Bathrooms
7
Elevation
8,750 ft
Duration
16 weeks
Project Overview
The Elk Meadow Lodge is a 7,100 sq ft mountain retreat nestled in a meadow just outside Telluride's historic district. The home's complex roofline — with nine distinct planes — required meticulous planning to ensure every valley, hip, and ridge performed flawlessly under the San Juan Mountains' extreme weather.
The Story
James and Patricia W. are retired physicians who fell in love with Telluride during a medical conference twenty years ago. When they finally acquired a 3-acre parcel overlooking the valley, they wanted a home that honored the region's mining heritage while providing every modern comfort. Sante Architects designed a lodge-style residence with reclaimed timber, hand-laid stone, and expansive glass to frame the iconic box canyon views. The roofing challenge was significant: nine roof planes, three dormers, two chimneys, and a covered porte-cochère all needed to work as a unified system. Alpine Peak's team spent three weeks on-site before installation, mapping every detail with laser precision.
Architectural Design
Gourmet kitchen design with professional-grade appliances and mountain view breakfast nook
Interior Highlights
The chef's kitchen features a La Cornue range imported from France, a 14-foot island with seating for six, and a walk-in pantry with custom cedar shelving. The adjacent great room has a 28-foot stone fireplace with a reclaimed railroad tie mantel.
Project Specifications
Roofing Details
We installed GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles in Charcoal with the LayerLock technology for maximum wind resistance — critical at this elevation where gusts regularly exceed 80 mph. The system includes GAF Cobra Snow Country ridge vent, StormGuard leak barrier on all eaves and valleys, and a complete GAF Golden Pledge warranty. Custom copper flashing was fabricated on-site for all chimney and dormer intersections.
Key Features
- Nine distinct roof planes with precision-cut valleys
- Custom copper chimney flashing and counter-flashing
- GAF Golden Pledge lifetime warranty
- Integrated ice and water shield on all vulnerable areas
- Color-matched ventilation system
Challenges & Solutions
Telluride's building codes require strict adherence to historic district guidelines, even for properties on the outskirts. The color palette had to be approved by the architectural review board. Additionally, the home's remote location meant all materials were staged at a base camp and transported by ATV to the build site.
"We interviewed five roofing companies. Alpine Peak was the only one that came to the site, studied the terrain, and presented a detailed plan before we even discussed pricing. That's the kind of professionalism that matters."
— Dr. James W., Homeowner
