Project Profile: Modern Timber Frame Ranch Featuring EQUITONE [tectiva] TE85

Nestled in the breathtaking mountainous landscape of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the residence owned by Peter Glauber, Director of Stark Compression, LLC, beautifully merges contemporary architecture with traditional timber frame construction. The modern ranch-style home is a new build and features an expansive, carefully designed open layout that includes three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The home, with its dramatic dark color and sleek, refined lines, reflects a meticulous balance of modern aesthetics, functionality, and enduring craftsmanship, harmonizing effortlessly with its natural surroundings.

From the outset, Glauber established clear design priorities: the selected materials needed to offer a sleek, industrial-inspired look while minimizing ongoing maintenance and providing reassurance against fire. Initially exploring traditional wood and phenolic board siding, Glauber soon ruled out wood due to its maintenance demands and vulnerability to flame.

Situated in a designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, the property is subject to heightened safety criteria due to Colorado’s environmental conditions and wildfire considerations.  EQUITONE panels meet ASTM E84 standards with a Class A fire rating for flame spread and smoke development, a key requirement for exterior cladding in such environments. Additionally, the [tectiva] panels are noncombustible under ASTM E136, offering further peace of mind in wildfire-prone regions.

After careful consideration, EQUITONE’s hi-strength cement rainscreen panels emerged as the ideal solution, perfectly aligning with the project’s aesthetic goals, durability needs, fire safety requirements, and ease of installation.  EQUITONE panels are made using high-density fiber cement technology, a significant upgrade from the ordinary medium-density fiber cement products typically used in residential applications. Medium-density products—commonly found in plank siding and trim—are generally composed of a mix of cement and fillers with lower strength, higher water absorption, and less dimensional stability.

In contrast, EQUITONE’s high-density, through-colored material uses a carefully engineered mix of cement, cellulose, and minerals that are autoclaved for enhanced strength, impact resistance, and longevity. This manufacturing process results in a material that is thinner yet more robust, making it ideal for demanding architectural environments and elevating residential design to commercial-grade performance.

Glauber specifically chose EQUITONE [tectiva] TE85 for its rich charcoal grey coloring and subtle texture. This material paired seamlessly with the HPL (high-pressure laminate) mahogany panels used elsewhere on the home. This choice enhanced the contemporary visual character of the exterior and the functional criteria of high durability and fire resistance, essential for the Colorado climate.

The installation of the EQUITONE panels was carried out smoothly by skilled subcontractors, coordinated effectively by the primary contractor. Glauber particularly noted the simplicity of the installation process, highlighting that it was efficient, hassle-free, and did not require extensive specialized training, contributing to a streamlined construction timeline.

Incorporating EQUITONE [tectiva] TE85 substantially elevated the home’s exterior design, achieving an aesthetic described by Glauber as “sleek, modern, and protective.” The panels nuanced charcoal tone and texture perfectly complemented the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, creating a visually compelling juxtaposition of industrial elegance and natural landscape. Feedback from visitors, neighbors and industry peers has been overwhelmingly positive, consistently praising the distinctive and sophisticated character of the home.

Glauber expressed satisfaction with his decision to use EQUITONE panels, highlighting their versatility, ease of installation, minimal maintenance, and exceptional safety standards. The diverse textures and color palettes available from EQUITONE further reinforced its value, making it an attractive choice for future projects.

Seated at the base of the beautiful Mount Sopris, the timber frame ranch home demonstrates the powerful impact EQUITONE panels can have on residential architecture, particularly highlighting its suitability for high-end residential applications. Unlike typical medium-density siding, EQUITONE’s high-density fiber cement provides superior durability, fire resistance, longevity, and minimal maintenance requirements.