Shadowcliff Bridgewalk Cabin

Grand Lake, Colorado

The Shadowcliff Life Center is a retreat center that provides sanctuary, allowing individuals and groups to connect with nature, learn principles of sustainability and create a restorative world. The Stonebridge Cabin will bring much needed modernized lodging to the Center.  While bridging, rather than blocking a narrow ravine, this cabin will showcase many sustainable design and building strategies.  The floor, walls and roof will be built of local Structural Insulating Panels.  The solar thermal and photovoltaic panels will provide hot water and electricity while the passive solar orientation and thermal mass will couple with an EPA approved wood stove and insulating curtains for heating.  Using the abundant regional beetle kill pine harvest for interior and exterior siding and trim provides a local and site-specific connectivity in the materials palette, as does the local stone cladding the foundation.  Roof water will be collected and routed through gardens, while composting toilets will transform the black waste to compost and reduce water use.  When completed, the new cabin will embody the Shadowcliff mission of “stretching the mind and heart” while surrounded by natural splendor.