Modern Resort Design Ideas: Roofing Inspiration for Elevated Escapes

Resort-style architecture isn’t just about high-end looks—it’s about creating a relaxing, inviting atmosphere that connects with the natural surroundings. From mountain cabins to quiet desert retreats, today’s designs focus on comfort, style, and function. One key element that brings it all together is the roof. It not only adds to the overall look of the home but also helps protect it from the environment.

In this article, we explore some of the most inspiring real-world resort projects that use CeDUR synthetic roofing, followed by design ideas you can apply to your own resort-style architecture.

What to Look for in Modern Resort Design

Today’s modern resorts are expected to do more than dazzle at first glance. They must be built to endure and perform across diverse, often challenging environments. From the materials used to the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, every element should contribute to guest comfort, sustainability, and seamless architectural flow. The most effective resort designs share a few key principles:

• Natural, locally inspired materials that elevate the architecture

• Strong indoor-outdoor integration

• Durable, low-maintenance surfaces that withstand harsh weather

• Warm, welcoming color palettes that age gracefully

• Fire- and impact-resistant features for safety and longevity

The roof plays a big part in tying everything together. That’s where CeDUR’s synthetic shakes really stand out—they’re built to handle tough conditions while offering the look and feel of real wood, giving your home both durability and curb appeal.

Modern Resort Projects Featuring CeDUR

Before diving into individual design ideas, let’s explore two standout resort projects that showcase how CeDUR's high-performance synthetic roofing elevates real-world builds in some of the country’s most iconic natural settings.

Snow Bear Chalets in Whitefish, Montana

Located on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, the Snow Bear Chalets are the world’s first slope-side, ski-in/ski-out luxury treehouses. These elevated chalets are perched over 25 feet above the forest floor and are celebrated for their imaginative architecture and performance in alpine environments.

CeDUR’s Walden Cedar synthetic shakes were hand-selected for their stunning wood-like appearance and rugged durability.

Built by Malmquist Construction, the chalets feature steel support beams disguised as tree trunks, preserving the natural setting while maximizing structural stability. From intense UV rays to freeze-thaw cycles, CeDUR’s impact- and fire-resistant roofing was the perfect solution to protect these high-altitude retreats from the elements—while maintaining a rustic, luxurious aesthetic.

Design Highlights:

• Elevated treehouse-style structures with angular rooflines and steel-framed tree-like supports

• Use of natural materials, expansive windows, and turret-style architectural features

• CeDUR’s Walden Cedar shakes provide long-term performance with authentic cedar aesthetics, minus the upkeep

The Residences Bachelors Gulch in Avon, Colorado

Winner of the Division IV Job of the Year award at the 2020 Colorado Roofing Association Awards, this large-scale luxury project is one of the most ambitious roofing undertakings in the state. The Residences Bachelors Gulch is a private residence club located adjacent to the ski lift and stretches across a 500-foot-long, five-story structure with a steep 12/12 pitch roof.

Working alongside Horn Brothers Roofing, CeDUR’s Walden shakes were chosen by the Timbers HOA for their authentic wood appearance and superior performance. The project involved replacing heavy wood shakes with CeDUR, along with 6,250 copper snow guards, new copper drip edge, flashing, and gutters—all while navigating high elevations, extreme weather, and complex access logistics. With over 18,000 man hours required, the result is a resort-style roof system that combines beauty with high-performance resilience.

Design Highlights:

• CeDUR Walden shakes replace natural wood for enhanced fire and impact resistance

• Structural snow fences and snow retention systems installed across multiple roof sections

• Project completed in under 3 months despite weather, elevation, and logistical challenges

6 Additional Modern Resort Design Ideas

Once you've seen what CeDUR can achieve in real-world resort builds, consider how these design ideas can elevate your own concept.

1. Sloped Rooflines with Texture

Sloped and pitched roofs bring dynamism to resort architecture while efficiently shedding snow and rain. CeDUR shakes enhance these rooflines with natural-looking texture and shadow lines that elevate visual interest.

2. Natural Materials That Perform

From timber beams to stone walls, modern resorts are embracing nature-inspired materials. CeDUR’s wood-look roofing fits right into this palette while offering modern durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance.

3. Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

Designs that blur the line between inside and out require materials that perform in both realms. CeDUR shakes withstand moisture, UV exposure, and temperature changes—perfect for canopies, covered walkways, and open-air pavilions.

4. Mountain Modern Minimalism

The clean lines of mountain modern design rely on materials that are both rugged and refined. CeDUR’s color options (like Shiloh and Walden) provide subtle sophistication that complements minimalist resort exteriors.

5. Elevated Treehouse-Style Structures

Inspired by projects like Snow Bear Chalets, luxury treehouse-style resorts use dramatic angles and high-perch rooflines. Lightweight and durable, CeDUR’s composite roofing ensures structural ease without sacrificing design integrity.

6. Warm Tones That Age Gracefully

Choosing roofing that maintains its beauty over time is key. CeDUR’s UV-resistant, fade-resistant synthetic shakes are color-through, ensuring long-term curb appeal in even the harshest environments.

Roofing Design Matters in Resort Architecture

Roofing isn’t just protection—it’s presentation. And in the world of modern resorts, where architecture and experience are intertwined, your roof has to perform on every level: structurally, aesthetically, and environmentally.

CeDUR’s synthetic shakes deliver all three:

• Class A fire rating for safety

• Class 4 impact resistance for storm and debris protection

• Lightweight design that reduces structural load

• Authentic cedar shake appearance that complements modern and rustic styles alike

In the mountains, by the ocean, or deep in the forest, CeDUR provides a roofing solution that meets the demands of the environment while adding stunning visual appeal.

Ready to elevate your resort design? Request a sample or explore our gallery to see how CeDUR brings modern resort architecture to life.