The Evolution of Ski Lodge Architecture
The traditional double-pitched roof and dark-wood/stone aesthetic that has long dominated US ski lodge design is being left in the past as new modern glass homes and hotels pop up in top ski towns across the country.
Historically, US ski lodges embraced double-pitched rooflines and wood and stone as primary building materials, prioritizing insulation and durability at the expense of natural light and expansive views.
However, a modern transformation is now making its way through some of the US’s top ski resorts, reshaping the experience of mountain living.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive glass designs, once rare in US ski architecture, are the next big thing, driven by advancements in glass technology and an evolution in architectural vision.
The forthcoming Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride, located in North America’s best ski resort, is at the forefront of the trend.
The project is designed inside and out by Olson Kundig, known for their modern designs that blend into their natural surroundings. The interconnected three-tower complex is defined by a sleek glass facade, floor-to-ceiling windows and flat roofs, lending a decidedly modern take to the mountain town.
The building does what lodges can’t: shows off the panoramic summit views and fully immerses residents in the stunning natural landscape of Telluride’s box canyon.
Following Four Seasons Telluride, this trend is also taking hold at highly anticipated new resorts in other prime US ski destinations, including Sommét Blanc in Deer Valley, Utah, with architecture by Tom Kundig of Olsen Kundig, and Stratos Residences in Snowmass, Colorado, designed by Davis Partnership Architects.
These projects are all quietly forging the way for the more widespread integration of Alps-like, chalet-style homes with single pitched roofs and glass for days in US mountain homes.
Based on your recent coverage, I thought you might like to explore this trend. Happy to provide more detail and arrange an interview with Olson Kundig, if you’re interested. Images Courtesy of Heyes Davidson e source by M18 Public Relations.
