Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, Colorado

Devil’s Thumb Ranch completed in 2007 by American West Homes is a year around resort and retreat ranch located in Tabernash, Colorado. The ranch consists of a guest lodge, luxury spa, two restaurants, horse stables, an activity center and sixteen private cabins. The ranch sits in a valley on 5000 acres that is used for trail rides, hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. The world famous retreat ranch and lodge was built to the highest standards in concern to both quality and sustainability. The use of advanced green technologies and practices was vital to this project and much effort was taken to protect and preserve the surrounding environment.

A Commitment to the Environment - Due to the development, construction, and operation of this luxury ranch it has been recognized for an EPA Award for Responsible Development & Historic Preservation. This recognition is due in part to many of the green practices and technologies that were utilized in the construction of this project. A few of the green practices and technologies used include on-site resource management, geothermal heating and cooling, forest mitigation and habitat restoration, the reuse and repurposing of existing structures and material, and an onsite wastewater treatment facility. These practices and others lead to reduced waste, reduced harvesting of precious materials, and the preservation of the land.

On-Site and Local Resources - Much of the wood used for the interior trim and hardwood floors is taken from beetle-kill lodgepole pine as well as other dead standing trees harvested locally from the ranch and other near by properties. Not only did the use of these trees produce a beautiful product but it helped protect the land, wildlife and nearby structures from fire risk due to the flammable nature of the dead standing trees. Also, the rock used on the exterior of the buildings as well as inside the Heck’s Tavern restaurant was harvested from a local landslide. No expense was spared in the efforts to build in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Geothermal Technology - Devil’s Thumb Ranch is one of American West’s many projects that relies on geothermal technology for its heating and cooling needs. The 86,000 SF Guest Lodge utilizes water to water geothermal heat pump technology for its HVAC demands. This system operates by using a Ground Loop System of 193 vertical geothermal wells that are each 360 feet deep located under the parking lot structure. The 30,000 SF Activity Center and 16 Private Cabins at Devil’s Thumb Ranch rely on a Geothermal Pond Loop System via a 2 1/2 acre pond located near the building to supply their heating needs.

Cherry Hills Village, Private Residence

American West completed this 16,000 SF private residence in Cherry Hills Village in 2009. The backbone of this homes mechanical system operates via twenty one – 400 feet deep – Geothermal wells. As designed, the geothermal system supplies 100% of the heating, cooling, domestic hot water supply & radiant snow melt for exterior patios, decks, driveway & the port cochere entry.

HVAC Heating – This forced air system provides 20 individual zones of heating throughout the home. This is accomplished be strategically locating 7 independent water to air heat pumps throughout the residence. A single water to air heat pump has the ability to supply 3 separate room locations – separate temperatures – simultaneously.

Air Conditioning- The same heat pumps that provide the heating also have the ability to provide the cooling for the home as well. Again, the same water to air heat pump that supplies air conditioning to a bedroom, family room and kitchen during the day can automatically switch modes to supply heat as needed throughout the evening.

Domestic Hot Water Supply – A single 10-ton water to water heat pump unit provides the hot water to the home for all of the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and domestics needs. This system provides over 300 gallons of hot water available to ensure that a cold shower will not occur. Whether it’s a typical morning routine of a family of four or a holiday house full of 12 out of town family guests. Warm showers for all.

Exterior Snow Melt- Removing snow and ice is inconvenient. The 6 exterior decks, the port cochere entry and the driveway are heated by 2 -10 ton water to water heat pumps. This allows our homeowner to enjoy all of the decks and patios that access their kitchen, dining room, living room, master bedroom, guest room and their daughter’s bedroom year round. Not to mention the best part – the driveway and entry port cochere – no shovels needed.

Photovoltaic Solar – This homes roof structure was designed to incorporate a 10 KW (44 panel) photovoltaic solar panel system. There are a total of 5 individual solar arrays that are all completely concealed from view. The solar system provides additional energy for the lighting control system of the home as well as helps off-set many of the electrical pumps demands that circulate the geothermal back into the earth.

Eleven Mile Reservoir, Private Residence “Off the Grid”

American West has been “Building Green” for decades. This 11,000 Square Foot home was constructed in 1999, and is built completely “OFF GRID”. The homes power source is combination of wind turbine and photovoltaic solar.

The wind turbine is mounted on an 80 foot tower and provides roughly 40,000 kilowatt hours of power annually. A total of 5 – ground mount solar array panel assemblies provide solar energy in conjunction with the wind turbine. A 24,000 kilo battery backup system stores energy from the solar array during the day light hours. The wind energy generated throughout the evening is also stored and collected into the battery backup system.

In 2011, American West replaced the batteries after more than 12 years of use as well as updating the Lutron Lighting Control System. The efficiency of this home is now stronger than ever and our customer will continue to benefit as a result.

Grand County, Private Residence and Ranch

American West completed this 14,000 SF private residence in Grand County in 2011. The radiant in-floor heating system operates via fourteen – 400 feet deep – Geothermal wells. This Geothermal system is designed to meet the extreme winter conditions of 40 degrees below zero. In addition to heating the home there are several exterior decks and driveways that have snow melting options. This property was also one of American West Homes’ Ranch Development Projects where nearly all of the dead standing trees were removed over thousands of acres to help rehabilitate the forest and to protect it from dangerous fire hazards.

Resource Management – The Interior Timbers as well as the timbers shown here were all harvested from the property and used in the construction of the home. All of the exterior timbers, exterior trim, and soffits were also cut from the property and integrated into the design elements of the project.

Photovoltaic Solar – This homes roof structure was designed to provide a 11 KW photovoltaic solar panel system. The solar system provides additional energy for the lighting control system of the home as well as helps off-set many of the electrical pumps demands that circulate the geothermal back into the earth.

Biomass- This homes mechanical system has an option to be converted to a wood burning Biomass Source. The domestic heat system and all of the exterior patios and driveways all have the ability to be heated via Biomass.