four seasons to arrive in telluride, with hotel and homes by olson kundig

take a first look at the four seasons telluride

Architecture studio Olson Kundig celebrates the unveiling of its Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride, set to elevate the resort and living experience at the remote Colorado mountain town. The project is being led by real estate development firms Merrimac Ventures and Fort Partners, which have officially launched sales for the joint venture. The collaboration marks the introduction of the internationally acclaimed brand to the ski town, promising a distinctive residential experience in a place that has not seen a five-star offering in fifteen years. The project brings together industry leaders and a world-class team, featuring renowned architecture and design firms Olson Kundig and Clements Design to shape the property’s interiors and exteriors.

images © Olson Kundig

three buildings will host both hotel and private residences

Unveiling the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride, Fort Partners founder and CEO Nadim Ashi shares his personal connection to the mountain town, expressing excitement about the partnership that brings the Four Seasons brand to this beloved ski resort. ‘My family and I have been skiing in Telluride for over 20 years — it is my favorite ski resort in the world,’ he comments. ‘The idea always starts with staying true to the place and delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail. Our aim is for [the project] to set a new bar for residential and hospitality experiences in North American ski resorts.’

The Four Seasons Telluride will consist of 28 private residences and 40 hotel residences, with architecture led by Olson Kundig. Three interconnected buildings, rising eight stories across four acres amidst the Telluride mountains, promise unobstructed views of Colorado’s stunning summits. The design by Olson Kundig, along with interiors by Clements Design, seeks inspiration from the surrounding landscape, balancing rugged nature with a high standard of luxury and comfort.

luxury design in the mountains by olson kundig

The architectural design, inspired by the natural beauty of Telluride’s mountainous surroundings, strives to offer Four Seasons guests and residents the dual experience of prospect and refuge. Panoramic views of the nearby ski area and mountain peaks, combined with site-specific building arrangements and materials, create a seamless connection between the property and the unique mountain environment.

‘Telluride’s unique location is an important factor in the experience,’ Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Principal / Owner & Founder and Kirsten Ring Murray, FAIA, Principal / Owner of Olson Kundig tell designboom. ‘It’s a true destination town, protected from the sprawl of many other ski areas by virtue of its isolation. Whether arriving from the country’s highest commercial airport, or driving from any other area in the state, the experience is one that is wild and expansive with dramatic mountain views all-around. Within the box canyon that houses the town of Telluride itself, elements from the local mining history—as well as the ongoing agricultural and ranching industries—honor the heritage of this special place.

The team continues: ‘Our approach for this project is largely driven by context—drawing inspiration from both the natural and cultural landscape of Telluride. The design balances a duality of prospect and refuge through a composition of building forms that work with the surrounding site, its topography, and views.

‘As you arrive by gondola, views of the roofscape and terraces are complemented by territorial panoramas of the nearby ski area, the Sneffels Range, Dallas Peak and Campbell Peak ridgelines, Mount Wilson, and the valley beyond; as the first touchpoint for residents and guests, the buildings are designed to be seen from this vantage as well.’

‘The scale of the development is broken into several smaller, linked buildings to further highlight the natural setting. Each building is shaped to maximize opportunities for 360-degree views, while preserving sightlines between buildings from the surrounding landscape and public village areas.

‘In addition to the site-specific building arrangement, the most appropriate design approach for a project in such a special setting is to embrace the material language of the natural environment. Our material selections reference both the natural context and history of the surrounding place. Stacked stone grounds the building to the site, while light, operable wooden and metal elements blend to the forest with articulated shed roofs pointing to the ragged peaks above.’