Modern Architecture in Mountain Terrain
To an architect, modern architecture includes ideas of passive design, LEED accreditation and sustainability. And although these terms may be familiar to a client, when designing and building a Park City vacation home, one of the most important aspects of modern architecture, is the look, feel, and aesthetics of the space. But when a design term such as “modern” becomes widely used, the meaning can be misconstrued and isn’t always associated with mountain sites.
It can be difficult to blend one's understanding of modern architecture with the beautiful natural surroundings of Utah's Wasatch Back and sites in resort areas like Big Sky, Montana, Sun Valley, Idaho and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Oftentimes these two seem incompatible. Modern architecture closely associated with metropolitan areas, is not exclusively about flat roofs and expansive glass. Incorporating modern architecture in a natural setting can be so much more.
GREAT DESIGN = MOUNTAIN AESTHETICS
At first glance some aspects of modern design may not fit aesthetically with a rustic, natural environment, and if implemented poorly, can be obtrusive. Implementing a design in a custom build that doesn’t fit in the setting of a mountain home will leave it looking out of place, in the same way a log cabin may look out of place on a tropical beach. However, with the right design strategies, modern architecture can be right at home in a mountain setting.
Architects and clients alike understand that poor design creates poor aesthetics. This is one of the primary reasons we specialize in Mountain Modern architecture in Park City, Powder Mountain, and across the Wasatch Back. This style of architectural design combines modern features with the local environment to create designs that look completely natural. Our goal is always to create something that matches and enhances the natural environment around it.
A MISUNDERSTANDING OF MODERN
Another misunderstanding of modern architecture that creates a rift in the design world is that the style is viewed through the lens of mid-20th century design. In the 70 years since the 1950s, modern architecture has shifted from elements from the past, to looking to the future.
Beyond aesthetics and visuals, modern architecture focuses heavily on sustainability. Mountain Modern architecture goes beyond the basics of sustainability. The goal of the design is to build a home that is easier on the environment, less likely to consume future resources, and is constructed with as many local, renewable and sustainable materials as possible.
When designing modern architecture, we seek to conserve energy through a variety of passive design strategies that minimize the need and use of HVAC systems and are powered by renewable energy sources. Our designs seek to combine indoor and outdoor spaces that redefine how we separate - and connect - the two.
BEAUTIFUL, NATURAL + MODERN
Modern architecture done right ends up looking beautiful, feeling comfortable, and works in connection with the natural environment around it. This is what we strive for in every project we take on, and especially when we get to work with the beauty of Park City and other mountain areas.
Mountain modern architecture should not create obtrusive buildings that in turn degrade the natural surroundings that they exist in. Embracing the natural environment and using it to inform the design is what we strive to bring our clients in both their permanent residences and vacation homes. View our past designs and recent builds on our website, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life.