Year: 2024-26
Location: Stagecoach Reservoir, Routt County, Colorado
Client: The Duris Family
Type: Single Family Residential
Contractor: Stagecoach Builders info@stagecoachbuilders.com
Size: 4,000 sf
Structure: 2×6 Wood Framing over cast in place concrete basement
Configuration: Terraced Hillside Plan
Status: Under Construction
Firm: Easton Architects, James Easton, AIA, NCARB

The Duris Residence

The Duris Residence is a contemporary mountain home designed by Easton Architects overlooking Stagecoach Reservoir near Steamboat Springs in Routt County, Colorado.

Located on a forested hillside above Stagecoach Lake in Routt County, Colorado, the Duris Residence occupies an exceptional mountain site at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation. The property overlooks one of Colorado’s most pristine alpine lakes and enjoys expansive panoramic views across the water toward the surrounding mountain ranges. The house is carefully positioned within the natural terrain to maximize these views while minimizing disturbance to the existing landscape.

The project was conceived as a contemporary mountain residence that embraces the dramatic character of the site while remaining durable, efficient, and low maintenance for long-term mountain living.

The architectural strategy begins with the land itself. The home is embedded into the slope of the hillside, allowing the structure to step naturally with the terrain and reduce visual impact when viewed from the lake and surrounding neighborhood. The building’s geometry opens toward the primary southern and western views, where large expanses of glass frame the lake and distant mountain ridgelines. At the same time, more protected elevations shield the home from prevailing winter winds common to high-altitude environments.

A series of carefully articulated roof planes define the architectural character of the home. These forms echo the angles of the surrounding terrain and allow snow to shed naturally during Colorado’s heavy winter seasons. The roof geometry also creates dramatic interior spaces, particularly within the great room where large windows and sloped ceilings bring daylight deep into the home while framing views of the lake and forest.

The residence contains approximately 4,000 square feet of living space organized around an open central living area. The main living spaces—including the kitchen, dining, and great room—are oriented directly toward the landscape and connect to exterior decks designed for outdoor living during the warmer months. Private spaces such as bedrooms and offices are carefully arranged to balance privacy with access to views and natural light.

Durability and longevity were critical design priorities for the project. At this elevation, the building envelope must withstand intense sun exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, wind, and snow loads. To address these conditions, the home incorporates a rainscreen wall assembly that improves moisture management, increases the lifespan of exterior materials, and enhances the overall thermal performance of the building envelope.

Exterior materials were selected specifically to minimize long-term maintenance while aging gracefully within the mountain environment. These materials provide both resilience and a natural aesthetic that complements the surrounding forest and alpine landscape.

Energy performance and long-term sustainability also played an important role in the design. The residence is solar-ready, allowing photovoltaic systems to be integrated easily in the future as energy needs evolve. The building orientation, window placement, and roof design were developed with solar exposure and passive performance in mind, helping to reduce energy demand while maintaining comfortable interior spaces year-round.

Construction of the Duris Residence began with careful excavation and foundation work due to the complex hillside conditions. The foundation system anchors the home securely to the site while accommodating the stepped geometry of the structure and maintaining stability within the sloped terrain.

Beyond technical performance, the project is ultimately about the experience of place. The home is designed as a quiet retreat where architecture, landscape, and view are inseparable. Interior spaces open outward toward the lake and forest, allowing the changing seasons—snow, sunlight, autumn color, and alpine sky—to become an integral part of daily life within the house.

The Duris Residence reflects Easton Architects’ commitment to site-driven design and thoughtful mountain architecture. By combining durable construction techniques, sustainable building strategies, and a deep respect for the surrounding landscape, the project creates a modern mountain home that will remain relevant and resilient for decades to come.

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