Architectural Tutorial: Mountain Style

Rugged. Sturdy. Warm. Strong-featured. Cozy. Textured. Rustic.

These are all words that can be used to describe a Mountain Style home. This type of architecture is meant to "blend in with the natural environment" with characteristics like extensive use of stone and timber for building materials. It has more to do with "materials and details than house type" and has characteristics that include over-hanging roofs, small paned windows and ornamentation with natural elements like logs and branches. It offers an "expression of nostalgia for the simpler life of the Colonists who'd founded the United States with little more than a musket and an ax." But what used to be equated as a style for hunting lodges, vacation homes, cabins, dude ranches or tourist-related facilities in national parks is now becoming more prevalent in primary residences. Many modern day Mountain Style residences even pull elements from several other architectural styles like Craftsman/Arts and Crafts, Shingle and Bungalow.

A few well-known examples of Mountain Style architecture include...

The Old Faithful Inn • Yellowstone National Park, WY

image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/txcraig75/4941478551/

The Crater Lake Lodge • Crater Lake National Park, OR

image source: http://www.lovesomatic.info/vacation-rentals/the-crater-lake-lodge.html

Ahwahnee Hotel • Yosemite Valley, CA

image source: http://www.vinetimesonline.com/destination/2010/8/2/destination-amador-to-mariposa.html

Dining room of Ahwahnee Hotel

image source: http://yosemitefun.com/ahwahnee.htm

Glacier Park Lodge • Glacier National Park, MT

image source: http://www.flickriver.com/groups/371396@N20/pool/interesting/

One of the boathouses at Topridge, an Adirondack Great Camp in New York.

image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Boathouse_2_at_Topridge.jpg

Lake McDonald Lodge • Glacier National Park, MT

image source: http://www.flickriver.com/groups/371396@N20/pool/interesting/

We have clients that are drawn to this style because of its warmth, relaxed feel and its connection to the outdoors. Here are a few of Visbeen Associates' Mountain Style designs...