This document provides suggestions for renovating a research cabin located in the San Juan Mountains in Silverton, Colorado. It recommends adding an airlock/vestibule to improve energy efficiency, improving the north deck and wood storage area to open views, and constructing walls using standard framing, spray foam insulation, and a stone/metal exterior for improved insulation, reduced fire risk, and lower maintenance costs. Using logs for the walls and a stone/metal exterior is suggested to meet expectations of visitors and the environment while improving efficiency and durability. Operating research huts in natural areas has challenges, and stone/metal exteriors have worked well at other huts.

1. Mountain studies institute
Research cabins
San Juan Mountains, Silverton
alexandra brower

2. Things to think about
1. Add an airlock/vestibule to the southeast entrance to
enhance energy efficiency and overall experience.
2. Improve the north deck and wood storage area to open
up views and improve accessibility.
3. Construct walls using standard framing materials, spray
foam insulation, and a stone/metal exterior. This type of
construction is recommended because it would make the
hut warmer for arriving visitors, require less firewood,
minimize expensive long term exterior maintenance, and
decrease ignitability in the event of wildland fire.
4. Logs could be used for the walls and a stone/metal
exterior can be chosen because it most closely met the
criteria of visitor expectations, consistency with
environment, energy efficiency, and durability.
5. Constructing and operating huts in natural Colorado
environments has its challenges, and the stone/metal
exteriors that are proposed have been used at other huts
and have worked very well.

3. Suggested Facility Provisions
Beds
Doubles, Singles, Extra pads**, Pillows, Extra Throw Blanket
**-The huts are very crowded if you have folks on the floor! also-mattresses &
pillows are provided, but no other bedding!
Restroom Facilities
Sink area, His and Her Toilets and Showers
Toilet paper**
**-Use sparingly, suggested to bring your own
Kitchen Equipment
Miscellaneous
Propane cookstove
Propane light ( IN COOKING AREA )
Propane provided
Pots & pans
Kitchen utensils
Silverware
Dishes
Paper towels
Dishtowels
Matches
Dishsoap & Dishpans
Outside food storage box
Table & chairs
Charcoal grill
Woodstove
Firewood (limited in summer)
Variety of games, cards
Items only provided for winter
Maul & ax
Stock Pot for melting snow
Candles**
**limited!!

4. EXTERIOR
CABIN, A-FRAME, PORCH
PICTURE WINDOWS, MULTIPLE LEVELS

5. INTERIOR
OPEN SPACES, WOOD,
STONE, NATURAL MATERIALS,
LIGHT, LOFTINESS, FREE FLOWING, COZY