Summit Ridge Estate
A timber-frame masterpiece crowned with bronze standing seam
Location
Crested Butte, CO
Completed
2023
Roof Area
4,800 sq ft
Home Size
6,200 sq ft
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
5
Elevation
9,100 ft
Duration
14 weeks
Project Overview
Perched on a ridge overlooking the East River Valley, the Summit Ridge Estate is a 6,200 sq ft timber-frame residence that demanded a roof system capable of handling 300+ inches of annual snowfall while complementing the home's organic mountain aesthetic.
The Story
Michael and Sarah T. had spent fifteen years vacationing in Crested Butte before deciding to build their forever home. They envisioned a residence that would feel like it grew from the mountainside itself — massive Douglas fir timbers, locally quarried stone, and a roof that would age gracefully alongside the surrounding aspens. Working with Berglund Architects, the couple designed a home with seven distinct roof planes, each requiring precise engineering to handle Crested Butte's legendary snow loads. Alpine Peak Roofing was brought in during the design phase to consult on material selection and structural requirements. The result is a 4,800 sq ft standing seam metal roof in weathered bronze that catches the golden hour light and mirrors the autumn aspen groves below.
Architectural Design
Main floor plan showing the open great room concept with vaulted ceilings requiring specialized roof framing
Interior Highlights
The great room features a 32-foot vaulted ceiling with exposed timber trusses, anchored by a floor-to-ceiling moss rock fireplace. The gourmet kitchen includes a 48-inch Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigeration, and a 12-foot waterfall-edge island in honed Montana granite.
Project Specifications
Roofing Details
The roof system features 24-gauge Galvalume standing seam panels with a custom weathered bronze finish, installed over a fully ventilated cold-roof assembly. The cold-roof design — with a 2-inch air gap between the insulation and roof deck — prevents ice damming at this elevation. Snow guards were strategically placed above all entry points, walkways, and the outdoor living area. The complex geometry required 47 custom-fabricated transition pieces at valleys and hips.
Key Features
- Seven distinct roof planes with varying pitches
- Custom copper snow guards at all entry points
- Integrated gutter heating system
- Cold-roof ventilation assembly for ice dam prevention
- Hidden fastener system for clean aesthetic
Challenges & Solutions
The primary challenge was the home's 9,100-foot elevation and the steep 12:12 pitch on the main gables. All materials had to be helicoptered to the site during the final phase due to spring road closures. The crew worked in shifts to complete the installation before the first September snowfall, finishing with just 11 days to spare.
"Alpine Peak didn't just install our roof — they helped us design it. Their input during the architectural phase saved us from costly mistakes and the result is beyond what we imagined."
— Michael T., Homeowner
