Dingolay Ranch
Ongoing Project

Dingolay Ranch is outside of Telluride, Colorado, at 10,000 ft above sea level. Our master plan for the ranch outlines a strategy for preservation and respectful land use, focusing on conservation of wetlands, native plants, and wildlife.

The main house is nestled into a knoll with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. It has an open, flexible plan and is a modern interpretation of the utopian residential architecture of the 60s and 70s. Meant to be entirely self-sustaining, it uses active and passive solar energy, natural ventilation, and is insulated by the thermal mass of the planted earth roof. It’s off the grid.

The organic forms are based on solar patterns, site contours, and logical space planning that enhance the owner’s relationship to nature. Inspired by folk art, vernacular architecture, and the do-it-yourself spirit of the American West.

From the house, you watch the sheep and elk graze in the summer, and the bright white reflection of deep winter snowmass illuminates the ceiling. The vegetation area is indoors, where humidity and heat are controlled to support year-round plant growth and food production.