Alpine Chalet

Eco-style is one of the most popular trends in modern architecture and designing of interiors. Natural environment-friendly materials, natural native forms, quiet colors - all this helps a person come closer to nature, being at home. And although this style originated relatively recently, architecture has trends with similar principles and centuries-old traditions - for example, chalets. Today the architecture of the chalet is characterized by the following features: the facade is directed to the eastern side; the basement is high and made of stone or faced with stone; the mansard floor made of beams is decorated with beams or pilasters, and sometimes covered with plaster; slopes of the sloping roof protrude beyond the walls of the building; the abundance of terraces; the roof hangs over at least one of the balconies.

History

For the first time, chalets began to be built by shepherds living in the Middle Ages in the most mountainous province of France - the Savoy. At that time, these buildings were considered a temporary, seasonal shelter, the main features of which were safety and functionality. When erecting such "shepherd’s lodges", the most accessible means on hand were used: stone and wood, usually it was a timber of larch or pine. Owing to the combination of these materials, the house looked very thoroughly and naturally organically “merged” into the hilly landscape. The rough natural stone that was used in the construction of the foundation and the basement floor, as it were, represented the mountains themselves, and the wooden superstructure - a forest growing on the clefts of the hills. Even though that the wooden part of the building eventually darkened from the weather, it completely did not deteriorate the appearance, but rather only added a charm to chalet. The combination of stone and wood found to be so successful that over time these simple houses, which were originally built by simple peasants, became a model of fashion and represent the prosperity.

The French in the XVIII century appreciated the romance of these mountain lodges and began to decorate their famous parks by means of garden pavilions resembling a rural chalet style. And after the development of tourism in the Alps, the chalet has become the most popular style of mountain holiday camps for enthusiasts of mountain walks and ski slopes.

Design and advantages

The harsh climate of the mountainous terrain and living conditions in these areas have significantly influenced both the architecture of the chalet and the choice of materials. The classic chalet is a two-story, with a sloping gable roof, protruding beyond the walls of the building. (Picture 2, 3) The roof rests on the columns and forms the terraces, which, like ordinary balconies, increased the living space.

The designation of the basement floor was usually economic - here, mainly, there was a storehouse for supplies. The floors were made of stone or wood. The second living floor has always been wooden, due to which the living rooms were warmed up better, they were more cozy and comfortable.

Slanted ceiling and roof made of shingles or wooden rib crowned this combined structure of stone and wood. A stone and a beam perfectly protected inhabitants of the house from unfavourable weather and in addition to, for such houses the fireplace, usually located in the most spacious room was required.

The style and original elements of the decor are not alien to them, because in time time people’s aspiration to beauty has affected the architecture of the chalet. Balconies and other wooden parts of the building had been decorated with carved patterns, and the walls covered with plaster, whitewashing and murals began to appear more and more often. And wreaths made of pine branches or mountain lavender above the front door are already considered a traditional decoration.

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