Telluride Copper Lodge
A copper crown in Telluride's box canyon
Location
Telluride, CO
Completed
2024
Roof Area
5,400 sq ft
Home Size
7,800 sq ft
Bedrooms
6
Bathrooms
7
Elevation
8,800 ft
Duration
20 weeks
Project Overview
The Telluride Copper Lodge is a 7,800 sq ft timber-frame masterpiece featuring a standing seam copper roof that has already begun developing the distinctive green patina that will deepen over the coming decades. Set against the dramatic San Juan Mountains, this is one of the most photographed homes in Telluride.
The Story
Andrew and Victoria S. are tech entrepreneurs who wanted their Telluride home to be a legacy property — something their grandchildren would inherit. They chose copper specifically because it's the only roofing material that actually becomes more beautiful with age. The home's massive timber frame, with Douglas fir beams up to 36 inches in diameter, required a roof material with equal gravitas. Alpine Peak's master installers spent 20 weeks hand-forming and installing each copper panel, creating a roof that is as much a work of art as it is a weather barrier.
Architectural Design
Gourmet kitchen with professional-grade appliances, butler's pantry, and mountain view breakfast nook
Interior Highlights
The kitchen features a 48-inch La Cornue range in custom copper finish to echo the roof, a 16-foot island with waterfall-edge quartzite, and a butler's pantry with wine refrigeration. The adjacent dining room seats 14 beneath a hand-forged iron chandelier.
Project Specifications
Roofing Details
The roof features 20-oz copper standing seam panels with double-lock seams for maximum weather resistance. All copper was sourced from a single mill to ensure consistent alloy composition and uniform patina development. Custom copper gutters, downspouts, and snow guards were fabricated to match. The system includes a fully adhered ice and water shield membrane and a ventilated cold-roof assembly.
Key Features
- 20-oz copper panels with double-lock seams
- Single-mill sourcing for uniform patina
- Custom copper gutters and downspouts
- Ventilated cold-roof assembly
- Hand-formed transition pieces at all intersections
Challenges & Solutions
Copper is significantly more expensive and difficult to work with than steel. Every cut, bend, and seam must be perfect because copper shows every imperfection. The 20-week timeline reflected the painstaking craftsmanship required. Temperature management during installation was critical — copper expands and contracts significantly, requiring precise allowances at every seam.
"Every morning I look up at our copper roof catching the sunrise and I'm reminded why we chose Alpine Peak. This isn't just a roof — it's the crown of our home."
— Victoria S., Homeowner
