The Chalet: As It Was and As It Could Be

Originating in the Alps, the chalet style influenced the development of architecture in France, Switzerland, England, and even America. It has come a long way: from a simple form in the 16th century to the epitome of high art in the 17th century, then back to ordinary people in the 20th century in the form of bungalows, and once again "up the ladder," gradually adapting to the conditions and traditions of each area where it was used.

If you are thinking about the design of your home, contact us. Explore, learn about the evolution of the style, "try it on," and choose what you like.

The folk chalet

At least three different types of chalets were built in the various regions of Switzerland. The first type was a square-shaped temporary shelter for cattlemen, used seasonally (in summer), the so-called mountain chalet. It was built from roughly hewn logs, the roof was a simple gable, and the long eaves hung well beyond the walls, protecting the galleries and exterior stairs.

The other two types were built on flat terrain and in the upper valleys. The base was masonry, with a basement room placed inside. A timber frame was set on top, and the facade was covered with plaster. The house was no longer square, but rectangular. Overhanging cornices protected the walls from bad weather, and heavy brackets supported the gable. Balconies, galleries, and window openings were given additional protection against rain and wind. In the lower valleys, heavy rains caused more damage than snow, so to let water drain off the roof quickly, it was made sloping. A feature of the upper-valley chalets was a flat roof: the drier but colder climate of the area made it necessary to keep the snow on the roof for warmth.

In the 18th century, following a series of advances in transportation, the English were able to travel to the Alps, where they came to appreciate the practicality and scenic beauty of chalets, which was reflected in the writings of educated English travelers. It was they who managed to elevate the image of these simple folk huts and attract the attention of architects in Europe and America. In 1829, the first cottage based on the Swiss tradition was built in England.

AMERICAN CHALETS

In 1850, the architect Downing introduced the chalet style to America in the form of designs for country residences. While the Swiss models were characterized by the heaviness of log structures on a stone base, the American models had a lighter base and an abundance of applied decorative elements. Shingles and wood chips were hardly used; panels were used for decoration, and the ends of the roof rafters were carved. Like their prototypes, American cottages were also built with two stories, the second story having a balcony with distinctive carved flat balusters. The siding was either vertical or horizontal, and the first floor was sometimes finished in stucco. Family mottos or family coats of arms were placed on the gables.

In the late 19th century, chalets came into vogue in Cincinnati. Thanks to the architect Lucien Plimpton, bungalows with distinctive chalet-style roofs were built in various parts of the city during this period, including Hyde Park and Oakley.

FRENCH CHALETS

Savoy, the modern ski resort region, is the birthplace of chalets. Today, French chalet homes here are built using cast-in-place concrete, with wood used as a finishing material.

CHALETS IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

The basic principles of the style are respected in all chalet-type buildings in both Germany and Austria. The distinctive features of local chalet houses are an abundance of decorative elements, paintings, and flowers. Balconies appear on every floor, generously decorated with flowers.

A new interpretation

A change of era is always accompanied by the arrival of new technologies and materials, and the ancient style of alpine houses today perfectly accommodates tile, imitation stone and wood, and wrought-iron elements. More glass is used on the wide facades, sometimes even huge panels reaching up to the eaves. The decor is kept to a minimum. Modern chalets are built in Canada, Europe, and Russia. They carefully preserve their roots while combining them with the trends of modern times. These picturesque architectural compositions attract the attention of those around them, beckoning with their calm, comfort, and family warmth.