SIP Rest Area Roof Frisco CO

Location: Frisco, CO

Project Information

Project Type:	Commercial, Other Commercial
Manufacturer:	Premier Building Systems
Builder:	Taylor Khors Construction & Lamwood Timberframe
Design Professional:	GSG Architecture
Year Built:	2025

Performance

High Performance:	No
HERS/EUI Index Score:
ACH50 - Blower Test Results:
kBtu/sq.ft./year:
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Large-span roof structure and water treatment plant roof

Building at 10,000 Feet: How SIPs Made It Possible

When you’re building at high altitude, every detail matters. At over 10,000 feet in Colorado’s alpine terrain, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) needed a facility that could withstand heavy snow, fierce winds, and dramatic temperature swings—all while serving nearly 500,000 visitors each year. The result? A large-span roof structure and water treatment plant designed with strength, efficiency, and sustainability at its core.

The Challenge: Building in the Clouds

Constructing in the mountains isn’t easy. The short construction season, unpredictable weather, and extreme environmental conditions demanded a building system that was fast, durable, and energy-efficient. That’s where Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) came in.

Why SIPs Were the Perfect Fit

The project used 12-1/4" EPS SIP roof panels, and they delivered big advantages:

Speed of Construction: Prefabricated panels allowed rapid enclosure, keeping the project on schedule despite limited workable months.
Labor Efficiency: Factory-built panels reduced on-site complexity and exposure to harsh weather.
Strength & Durability: SIPs provided the muscle to handle heavy snow loads and severe wind conditions.
Energy Performance: Continuous insulation and airtight construction minimized heat loss, cutting long-term energy costs.
Low Maintenance: A robust envelope means less upkeep, even under constant public use and alpine exposure.

Innovative Design Elements

The SIP roof system wasn’t just about performance—it shaped the design:

Spanning large open public spaces while covering critical infrastructure like the water treatment plant.
Managing snow loads, wind uplift, and durability in extreme conditions.
Seamlessly integrating with public amenities, observation areas, and operational facilities.

This coordination between architectural, structural, and mechanical systems created a facility that’s both functional and welcoming.

Built to Green Standards

The project proudly meets Colorado’s strict green building standards, aligning with CDOT’s sustainability goals. SIPs reduced long-term energy demand, while other features added to the eco-friendly design:

Energy-efficient HVAC systems tailored for mountain conditions.
High-performance windows and durable envelope materials for thermal efficiency and resilience.
Energy-smart lighting and mechanical systems to lower operational demand.
Optimized building layout to maximize efficiency.

Sustainable Touches

Beyond performance, the facility reflects thoughtful stewardship of the environment and community:

Low-impact site planning that integrates the Ten Mile Canyon Trail.
Inclusive design ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
Educational exhibits and murals celebrating regional history, culture, and natural resources.
On-site water and wastewater treatment systems built for resilience and reduced infrastructure impact.

A Landmark in Alpine Construction

With ~8,400 square feet of conditioned space and a roof area of nearly 4,700 square feet, this project demonstrates how SIPs can rise to the challenge of high-altitude construction. By combining durability, speed, and sustainability, the facility stands as a model of modern engineering—proving that even at 10,000 feet, you can build smarter, faster, and greener.

Documents