The cabin is an architectural prototype, apparently intact over time. These traditional buildings were originally built as summer farming and grazing bases, and were usually nothing more than simple barns. The passion for winter sports in the 20th century changed their destiny.
There are good reasons for the uniform cabin design. The steep slope can keep an adequate amount of insulating snow on the roof. The minimum internal space can be configured for people, livestock or materials, and the materials are suitable for specific areas. For example, in Switzerland, stone walls are used on the north and east facades to withstand colder weather, while wood is used elsewhere.
Today, tens of thousands of contemporary cabin designs line the slopes of major resorts, and thousands more have been modified and enhanced to echo the creaking of skis and poles, rather than the sound of cow bells. Some valleys and states are stricter on aesthetics than others, and there will always be ins and outs that need expert help. Stone is replaced by concrete, but some elements are timeless, such as wood and fireplaces. Before choosing a cabin designer, let's take a look at these nine architectural practices. All bring the traditional typology to the 21st century.