Top Decoratings: mountain style

A residential construction method used commonly in the 17th and 18th century, timber framing did more than just create sturdy structures. It has impacted design elements and details that have been incorporated into architectural styles for years beyond. Today, we most commonly see elements of timber framing in mountain, lodge and adirondack style homes. Originally, it was a form of carpentry that involved taking large pieces of wood and joining them together with woodworking joints. Wooden pegs, braces and trusses were employed. In modern construction, these elements can still be seen but often are more ornamental rather than structural.

Visbeen Architects incorporates timber framing details in a variety of style homes. It can add a thread of rustic to a contemporary or formal style of architecture or solidify the lodge-esque feel. Here are a few examples...

In mountain, adirondack, lodge and timber frame homes, there are a number of products that can help achieve the overall look.

1. Roofing: GAF Roofing has an impact resistant line of shingles called Grand Sequoia that are meant to give a rugged wood-shake look at a fraction of the cost of traditional state, wood shakes or expensive metal roofs.

2. Hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware makes hinges, door and cabinet hardware, faucets, sinks and more that give a rustic, yet refine feel. Their products can be seen in such places as Idaho's State Capitol, Pelican Hill Resort near Newport Beach, California and Sun Valley Resort, in the rocky mountains of Central Idaho.

3. Lighting: Old California Lantern Company creates high-quality lighting fixtures inspired by California history and architecture, offering handmade products in Bungalow, Cottage and Western Style.

4. Windows: Pella Windows create standard and custom windows for a variety of architectural styles, but in addition to their traditional hardware collection, Pella offers Rocky Mountain Hardware. Each piece is handcrafted in solid bronze and available in a diverse palette of hand-applied finishes for those who want their windows to make a personal, enduring style statement.

Sources:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/100_tim.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_framing

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...