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Origins of Mountain Architecture in America
Written May 7, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Architecture, Mountain Architecture At Hendricks Architecture, we specialize in designing luxury mountain style homes and cabins. While it is not the only type of work we design, most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas, and most of our clients are looking for mountain style homes, often fairly rustic. Mountain Architecture is a broad term used to describe this rustic style of building, and can be found throughout the western United States and Canada, and in some of the mountainous areas of New York, New England, and the Southeast. For a detailed description of the current style, see Mountain Architecture.
 - 1830′s Pioneer Cabin, Pine Mountain, Georgia
The origins of mountain architecture in America came from the earliest non native peoples who chose to venture into the untamed mountainous areas of the country. The structures they built were a direct response to the environment they were in. They had to be made from native materials because transportation means were primitive, and they had to be robust to withstand harsh weather and deep snow. Often the homes were adapted, pragmatic derivatives of homes they had seen or experienced in old Europe or the cities of the Eastern United States. Civilization was slow in coming to the mountains, and early buildings reflected this. Unmilled logs, rough timbers, and natural stone were the norm, and the rustic beauty of these materials became a part of the style.
 - Pioneer Cabin in the Appalachian Mountains
One precedent for the mountain architecture we see today began during the industrial revolution in the late 1800′s. In the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, wealthy, educated city dwellers would retreat from the crowded eastern seaboard cities to grand “Great Camps” that were being developed around the numerous lakes in this rugged, untamed wilderness. This early version of “adventure travel” fueled a boom of construction, and grand waterfront lodges that were both lavish and rustic were built on most of the major lakes in the region.
 Adirondack Boat House, Upper St. Regis Lake
The camps of the Adirondacks were constructed of native stone and logs or rough hewn boards, often with the bark still on them. Ornate stick-work railings, siding, and furniture were hallmarks of the style, as was creating the appearance of “roughing it” while living quite comfortably in a rugged setting. Adirondack rustic is a distinctive regional style that has endured and is still popular today.
 Adirondack Lodge, Heart Lake, New York
Other notable examples of early mountain style architecture can be found in some of the National Parks in the western US. Before automobiles were popular, people would travel by train to visit the national parks of the west, and grand lodges were developed to house the numerous visitors. Iconic buildings like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, The Glacier Park Lodge in Montana, The Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon, and the Paradise Inn at Mt. Rainier were pioneering examples of the mountain style on a grand scale.
 Glacier Park Lodge, Montana
The Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite National Park is a great example of how rustic charm and refined elegance can be brought together and designed to harmonize with its surroundings.
 Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite Modern mountain style homes borrow from many different architectural styles. Depending on the Architect, there may be elements of Craftsman/Arts and Crafts, Shingle, Bungalow, Chalet, Prairie, and even early Japanese style in the design. Agrarian building elements like pointed gables, rusted corrugated metal cladding, and wood plank doors are also common in some areas. Regional variations to the mountain style have evolved, often in response to climatic conditions in a particular area. Styles in the mountain west include Colorado Territorial, Montana Ranch, Southwestern, and Pacific Northwest. We have designed homes that borrow from all these styles, depending on where they are located and client preference.
 Craftsman Style - The Gamble House in Pasadena The unique appeal of well designed mountain style homes comes from purposeful use of natural materials, a connection with the outdoors, the appearance of having “grown from the site”, and a strong sense of shelter from the elements. Since people first ventured out of the cities to recreate or live in the mountains, they have found creative ways of using native materials to create buildings that combine the romance of a frontier homestead with the comfort and conveniences of modern life. That is the essence of mountain architecture.
 Grand Canyon Ranger Station For those interested in a more comprehensive history of mountain architecture, an excellent source is Tom Deering’s Masters Thesis from the University of Washington archives. Tom Deering is currently practicing architecture in the Seattle area.
See also recent mountain architecture photos and renderings. If you are interested in having us design you a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.
John Hendricks, Architect AIA
Hendricks Architecture, Idaho mountain architects.
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[...] For further information, please also see Origins of Mountain Architecture in America. [...]
That’s very interesting. I’ve heard that Idaho and Montana are big mountain architecture areas. What are the big developments in the Northwest you would say are best known for this style?
That’s a good question. Generally, I think of the Northwest as Idaho, Western Montana, Western Wyoming, Washington and Oregon. I won’t include Canada for the sake of keeping the list down. You can see our recent blog “Mountain Home Developments in British Columbia” for that, and include Whistler, BC and Canmore, Alberta on that list. So here some of the main mountain home developments in the Northwest.
Sandpoint, Idaho is a relatively new community, at least in terms of being known as a resort area. It is located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, the biggest lake in the Northwest, before it becomes the Pend Oreille River. Homes and properties surrounding the lake are just starting to be bought and turned into more upscale luxury homes. The Idaho Club is one example of a mountain home community in Sandpoint, and has a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Schweitzer Ski Resort has a few mountain neighborhoods, including new ones The Ridge, The Spires, and Trapper’s Creek. There is also Black Rock and Gozzer Ranch in Coeur d’Alene, and Galena Ridge in Kellogg.
Sun Valley, Idaho has been around forever so there are big mountain homes everywhere and mingled with smaller homes. Sun Valley has the original ski resort, and includes the cities of Sun Valley, Ketchum and Hailey. Basically the closer you get to the Sun Valley Resort the more upscale they are. One development occurring on new lots is Independence, about a mile east of Sun Valley.
In Western Montana, The Wilderness Club in Eureka, north of Whitefish is a big development with a Nick Faldo designed course. In Whitefish, the area is centered around Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain), and Whitefish Lake. Iron Horse has been around for several years and the homes have the rugged, rustic Montana look. Smaller, newer neighborhoods in Whitefish include The Homestead and Elk Highlands. Other Montana mountain style subdivisions include Saddlehorn in Bigfork, Stock Farm in Hamilton, and Rock Creek Cattle Company in Deer Lodge. Big Sky, Montana boasts the ultra-exclusive The Yellowstone Club, as well as The Club at Spanish Peaks and Moonlight Basin.
Northwestern Wyoming is well known for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and Jackson, in the Jackson Hole valley. Mountain style subdivisions are all over, including Spring Creek Ranch, Topnotch at Stowe and Whitetail Resort. Amangani is a newer development with more contemporary mountain architecture.
Washington mountain style neighborhoods include Suncadia and Tumble Creek in Roslyn. The Methow Valley is also a popular spot for mountain style architecture. In Oregon, Bend is becoming a well know spot for the mountain style. I will include more information on a future post.