Case Study: The Aura in Snowmass, Colorado

Redefining Luxury and Sustainability

Introduction

Nestled at the base of Snowmass Mountain, the Aura stands as one of the crowning jewels in Snowmass Base Village. Offering 21 luxury residences with access to world-class skiing, outdoor recreation, and premier amenities, Aura exemplifies a new standard of high-end mountain living. More than just a residence, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction, blending modern comfort with cutting-edge environmental practices. The project is powered entirely by renewable energy and boasts a design that ensures zero ongoing carbon footprint, making it a model for future developments in the Rocky Mountain region.

Project Features

Aura offers its residents an array of top-tier amenities, including a cozy lounge, a spa-inspired grotto with pools, a private fitness center, ski and bike lockers with storage, and fireplaces. The architectural design maximizes natural light, and the building is strategically oriented to take full advantage of the sun’s warmth during winter. These thoughtful design choices enhance the living experience and contribute to the project’s sustainability goals by reducing energy needs for heating and cooling.

One of the most striking features of the Aura is its use of mass timber construction, specifically cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams. This method is environmentally friendly and reduces the carbon emissions associated with traditional steel construction. The exposed timber design also offers a biophilic appeal, mimicking nature while capturing carbon throughout the material’s lifecycle. Aura’s use of mass timber marks it as one of the first projects in the Rocky Mountain region to embrace this eco-friendly building practice, demonstrating Haselden Construction’s leadership in sustainable construction.

Challenges Overcome

Building in the challenging environment of the Rocky Mountains is never straightforward, but Aura presented its own set of unique obstacles. Haselden Construction had previously completed two successful projects in Snowmass Village, and the team anticipated a similarly smooth process for Aura. However, early on, it became clear that the conditions for this project would be much more complex.

The most pressing issue was the unexpectedly poor quality of the site’s groundwater. Initial testing had revealed some concerns, but the extent of the problem far exceeded expectations, defying historical data and Haselden’s prior experience in the area. The water was of such low quality that it required a much more rigorous treatment than initially planned. Building codes required significant adjustments, and the State of Colorado mandated installing a permanent dewatering system to manage the groundwater and prevent further issues.

In response to the unforeseen complication, Haselden worked closely with the architect, engineers, and the project’s owners to develop an entirely new plan. This involved designing a filtration system capable of handling all the water passing through the site, while still adhering to the project’s strict timeline. The successful integration of the dewatering system into the project is a clear demonstration of Haselden’s adaptability and commitment to delivering quality results under challenging conditions.

Project Management Excellence

Haselden Construction’s project management prowess was on full display throughout the Aura build. The company’s commitment to collaboration and flexibility was critical, especially as each of the 21 residences was sold. With every new buyer, Haselden gained a new stakeholder, each with unique expectations and preferences. With some finish packages decided after construction began, it essentially turned each residence into a micro-project, requiring the team’s adaptability and careful coordination to realize each owner’s vision without disrupting the overall construction schedule.

Haselden’s expertise in managing multiple concurrent projects also proved invaluable. At the same time that the Aura was being built, Haselden completed the Cirque Residences at the Viceroy, located virtually next door. The two projects shared the same delivery entrance, leading to potential traffic jams and delays. To avoid these issues, the Aura and Viceroy teams maintained constant communication—sometimes hourly—to ensure that deliveries were coordinated correctly and that both projects stayed on schedule.

The unique design of the Aura also required exceptional coordination between subcontractors. Once the building’s framing was complete, there were no internal corridors between the residences, as each had direct elevator access. This posed logistical challenges, as the project’s workforce had to navigate tight spaces between the units, which opened up more opportunities for bottlenecks, clutter, and potential damage to finishes. Haselden’s team worked diligently to mitigate these risks, carefully coordinating the expectations and movements of all trades on-site to keep the project flowing smoothly.

Innovative Safety Practices

Safety was a top priority throughout the Aura project, given its unique location at the Snowmass Mountain base and Snowmass Village’s bustling environment. Before breaking ground, the Haselden team developed a site-specific safety plan, considering the high traffic from resort visitors, adjacent construction projects, and potential hazards associated with inclement weather.

One of the more unusual safety concerns was the proximity of a ski lift to the job site. The lift almost crosses directly over the construction area, requiring Haselden to work closely with the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board to secure a variance, allowing the project to proceed. To ensure public safety, the construction team took special precautions, including extending the job site boundary by 15 feet into the right-of-way during the summer and retracting it in winter to allow skiers and mountain bikers safe passage.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Its commitment to sustainable building practices is at the heart of the Aura project’s success. Beyond using CLT and glulam members, Aura employs several other innovative systems contributing to its low environmental impact. The building is powered entirely by renewable energy, and the design takes full advantage of natural sunlight to reduce the need for artificial heating and lighting. The residences feature triple-pane windows, which retain heat in the winter while allowing cool mountain air to flow through the units during the warmer months, minimizing the need for air conditioning.

The Aura project, with its use of the Piranha Thermal Energy Recovery System, is at the forefront of sustainable development in mountain communities. This cutting-edge technology captures thermal energy from wastewater, which typically accounts for about 25% of a building’s energy consumption. By using wastewater to heat domestic hot water, the system reduces the building’s energy usage, operating costs, and overall environmental footprint. This forward-thinking approach to energy efficiency positions Aura as a leader in sustainable development in mountain communities.

Community Impact

Aura’s impact extends beyond its sustainable design and luxurious amenities. As climate change increasingly threatens mountain environments, Aura is a blueprint for how future developments can combine traditional mountain aesthetics with modern sustainability practices. The building’s zero ongoing carbon footprint ensures that Snowmass Village can continue to thrive as a premier destination for residents and visitors while minimizing its environmental impact.

For the Haselden team, the project is especially meaningful. Many of the workers live in the area, and the success of the Aura project is a testament to their dedication to preserving the unique mountain lifestyle for future generations. By pioneering new sustainable construction methods, Haselden has created a model that will inspire mountain communities across the country.

Conclusion

The Aura is a testament to Haselden Construction’s expertise in delivering high-quality, sustainable, and luxurious mountain developments. From overcoming significant groundwater challenges to implementing groundbreaking sustainable technologies, Haselden demonstrated exceptional project management, safety practices, and innovation. Aura sets a new standard for luxury mountain living with minimal environmental impact, paving the way for future projects in the Rockies and beyond.