Designed by local firm atelier kastelic buffey, a ski chalet at the base of a canadian ski resort opts to appropriate a gabled, richly grained architectural vernacular rather than manifesting romanticized ideas of a snowy getaway home. the result is a dynamic barn-like form that offers a family of five a simple and clear living space unimpeded by exposed beams or dividing walls.
Modest in scale and small in footprint, the light-filled home is characterized by a minimal gable that informs the interior. while the ground floor is relegated to a large mudroom surrounded by simple bedrooms, the nexus of activity takes place under the open-plan second storey. reinforced by a steel frame, the upper floor opens at each end to provide views of the ski slope toward the south and the valley flanking the northern side of the home, while serving to visually open the space and admit ample daylight. the exterior expertly employs a limited material palette of cedar, concrete and pre-finished grey aluminum.