Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) Logs

A view of the elephant shade structure installation at the Denver Zoo. The project is being considered for platinum LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). One of the requirements is for the materials to be produced within 150 miles of the site. These logs from a Colorado pine beetle infestation fit that requirement.

Elephant Shade Structure

View of the elephant shade structure in area A of the Asian Tropics habitat. The structure will have boards added for shade on the sides.

Installation of Beetle Killed Logs

The large logs are mounted into special "boots" that are bolted to plates anchored in concrete.

Beetle Kill Pine Logs for Denver Zoo

There are logs available from the pine bark beetle infestation that can be used like any other timber. Some beetle killed pine has a blue stain from the beetle's activity, other logs are clear. These photos show some large logs that have been approved for use at the Asian Tropics Project at the Denver Zoo.

Stand of Beetle Killed Pine

Typical hillside showing results of the beetle infestation. This scene is repeated throughout the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Photo was taken near Breckenridge, CO in September 2010.

Beetle Kill Pine Summit County, CO

This is a standing lodgepole pine that has been killed by the pine bark beetle. Photo taken in Summit County Colorado

Custom Barn with Unique Hay Loft Entry

The double French doors look like the entrance to an apartment, but they actually lead to the hay loft. The railing lifts up and out of the way to provide easy, wide access to the loft. This entrance was designed and built to solve the homeowner's needs.

Custom Barn Finished, Before Exterior Paint

Custom barn was finished on time even though it was constructed in the winter months. Features include covered exterior stalls, interior stalls, double french doors leading to the hay loft and stairs with decorative handrail to hay loft.

Custom Barn Roof and Exterior Sheathing

View of the stalls, roof and exterior during the construction phase.

Custom Barn Concrete Pour

Concrete can be poured in the winter months if proper planning for temperature and other weather conditions is taken into consideration. On this site there was excavation and fill to prepare for the pour.

Remodeled entry

Part of the remodel involved replacing flooring, stairs and railings in the entry area leading into the new great room. Top two photos show the new natural wood railings and risers that replaced white railings (bottom two photos).

Views of the Great Room

After the remodel there is now a great room that allows a flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas.

Living Room and Dining Area

The dining and living areas were limited by a separating wall.

Views of kitchen after the remodel

Kitchen has updated cabinets and counter tops as well as all new appliances. Removal of wall opens up the area to create a well lit and spacious feel.

Kitchen Demolish

The wall removal and rebuild was accomplished in a short period of time.

Kitchen Remodel

Two views of the kitchen before demolition and remodel. Client wanted a open floor plan to flow from the kitchen through the dining area and into the great room.