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The Mountain Refuge is a space where you can enjoy the most beautiful places in the world. A traditional archetype evoked through a contemporary principle, The Refuge acts as today’s interpretation of traditional mountain refuges, bringing in architectural character and spatial quality. It emerges as a space in which human essence and our connection with nature and history can be experienced.
Configure Your Getaway
Pick your add-ons and get on-the-fly price estimates for your future retreat in the elements
Modular
A prefabricated wood construction system allows the structure to be modular, cutting down costs and times, while giving flexibility on the interior spaces.
Decarbonizing
The Mountain Refuge is almost entirely built in our warehouse, using premium and natural materials in a sustainable process, minimizing waste and on-site labor.
Turnkey
We help handle the project from end-to-end. From client communication, fabrication, and permitting to managing shipping and assembly - we deliver the nuts and the bolts.
Handcrafted
We sweat every detail for a picture-perfect real life experience. At Elemental we craft dwellings that fuse nature and build environments
Healthy
Breathe easy knowing we kept the bad stuff out. The Refuge comes with a HEPA fresh air intake system, no plastic foam insulation, no formaldehyde in plywood, and no high VOC off-gassing chemicals.
Decarbonizing
We try to source the best natural materials, like biodegradable or carbon-neutral technologies and sustainably sourced carbon-capturing wood products
Off-grid*
We have designed an off-grid upgrade package* able to provide hot water, electricity, heat, and waste disposal - so you can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places in the world.
Features
Structure
Frame: Sustainable engineered 2x6 LSL wood frame. Sheathing is the superior ZIP waterproofing system
Loads: Engineered for extreme wind and snow loads to meet and exceed your local building code
Insulation: Included is Mineral Wool recycled insulation with R46 in the roof and floor and R23 in the walls. Upgrades available: additional layers of continuous exterior insulation or organic biodegradable hemp insulation
Exterior
Included siding: Black metal standing seam siding
Upgradable to Yaki Sugi Japanese-style charred wood siding. Class A fire rated
Glass: High performance double-glazed glass coated with optimized U-Factor and Heat Gain Coefficient for your unique climate and solar orientation
Interior
Included cladding: 5/8'' drywall painted in off-white hues
Upgradable: Formaldehyde-free furniture grade birch or maple plywood
Air quality: Pressure tested airtight envelope with healthy levels of AQI, HEPA-filtered air intake
Optional add-ons:
> Heating and cooling: highly efficient mini-split system
> In-floor radiant electric heating
> Wood burning or propane Focus, Morso or Stuv fireplace
> Bertazzoni or Bosch induction range
> Bertazzoni or Bosch built-in refrigerator
Also included in the base price:
Plumbing, electrical, base siding, flooring, base interior finishes, glass, windows, door, bathroom (shower and WC), ventilation, water heater, faucets, sinks, kitchen cabinets (excluding appliances), built-in cabinets, metal roofing, smart home hub, all lighting.
The Mountain Refuge is your singular
Configure Your Getaway
Pick your add-ons and get on-the-fly price estimates for your future retreat in the elements
Technical Drawings
Live Large
A small space doesn't have to come with trade-offs. From the spacious bathroom, king sized bed, to the functional kitchen, we worked with volume and area to create an experience that is expansive and feels abundant in its nature.
Hover over the hotspots to dive into The Refuge >
Built-in birch plywood cabinets
Lofted second bed
Spacious shower and restroom
Queen or King sized bed
Double-glazed high performance tempered glass wall
Entry door
Custom rugged kitchen cabinets
Deck as an add-on option
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I place an order?
Order yours today by Starting Configurator to customize your dwelling. At the end of the configuration wizard you'll be able to schedule a call with our team or proceed with a refundable deposit to secure your build.
What is the price?
The Mountain Refuge has multiple configurations, so the pricing depends on your selected configuration. Starting price for the Classic Mountain Refuge is $129,000. Start Configurator to customize your Mountain Refuge.
Shipping, installation, site work labor and equipment are separate. Here are rough estimates for site work that you might need to budget. We help you hire a local contractor that will manage all related site work with the support of our project manager.
Permits (county fees) ……………..……..................…...$2,500
Localized Structural Engineering …...................$2,000
Foundation and Earthwork ………………..............….$6,000
Crane / Heavy Equipment …………………................$3,500
Onsite Assembly Crew.............................................$8,000
Shipping (from Boulder, Colorado)..................$4/mile
Note: these are rough estimates based on past projects and don't take into account your unique site conditions
Do you have other models?
There are four Mountain Refuge configurations and more can be created by connecting two or more Refuges with a shared deck of a glass walkway.
- Classic Refuge (288 sqft)
- Satellite Refuge (144 sqft)
- Triple Refuge (432 sqft)
- Refuge Plus (500 sqft)
Reach out to us for a custom quote on Triple Refuge and Refuge Plus.
Do I have to get a permit?
Most jurisdictions will require you to get a permit for dwellings over 120 sqft (some allow no-permit builds up to 200 sqft). Please check with your local zoning department to see if you qualify for a no-permit install. If you do not, you have an option of contracting a local architect or consultant to submit your permit application based on our drawings and specifications. You could also hire our team to render this service. Elements usually needed for permit submission (we provide all the drawings and specs):
- Local Building Code and Zoning review
- Site Plan preparation and submittal
- Building Permit Packet submittal (includes energy efficiency submittals)
- Licensed engineering stamp in your state
- Geosoils report by a local engineer
- Foundation and utilities plan
What foundation is needed?
The Mountain Refuge needs a simple continuous perimeter wall foundation.
Where do you deliver?
Everywhere in the continental US and Canada. Shipping charges can vary from $2-$7/mile depending on the dwelling model. Ships from Boulder, Colorado.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we offer financing and no-interest payment schedules from our partners. Financing contract is executed at the time of purchase. Our finance partners might decline financing based on individual underwriting conditions.
How long does it take to fabricate and install?
Here's a usual timetable:
- Design, feasibility, and permitting phase: 2 weeks
- Dwelling is fully fabricated and delivered to your site: 6 months
- Local assembly: 2 weeks
Executed in parallel: site planning, permitting, foundation and utility work (if required).
Total timeline from deposit to completion: 7 months
Can I customize the design?
All customizations that we provide for each design can be accessed by launching a Configurator. If you would like additional customizations, for example: dwelling size, window locations or sizes, interior finishes, distinct appliances or fixtures - please reach out to us, usually we find a way to work with you on that. Some designs allow for a lot of customization and others are limited to their structure size and footprint.
What's your warranty?
10 year service warranty on structural integrity, subject to terms
Configure Your Getaway
Pick your add-ons and get on-the-fly price estimates for your future retreat in the elements