Ski Chalet in Canada Features Elegant Detailing

ski chalet

Atelier Kastelic Buffey completed the design and development of Alta Chalet, a weekend retreat for a family of five. Located in the city of Blue Mountains, Canada, the two-level ski chalet resides in a private ski club development. The design additionally integrates the chalet with its natural surroundings.

“Alta Chalet communicates an ethos of contemporary design and elegant detailing that derives from the local vernacular tradition of the barn,” the architects explain. “Its iconic presence – defined by a reductive black-and-white color scheme and a tight, clean, gabled roof edge – complements the intelligence of its spatial and economic efficiency.”

Step inside and you will experience its minimalist interiors as well as its wide windows and visual warmth. The public spaces – living room, kitchen and dining area – occupy the top floor of the ski chalet. This offers panoramic views of the surrounding ski hills. “Below, the ground floor comprises more intimate functions of bed and bath, along with a sauna and direct access to the outdoor hot tub deck,” the architects also add. “A garage accommodates two vehicles, with extra room for tuning skis and other recreational equipment.”

Sustainability was also one of the major factors in the design. “To reduce the ecological footprint, energy consumption was decreased through a high-performance glazing system, hydronic radiant in-floor heating, additional insulation and a wood-burning fireplace. Natural lighting and ventilation is optimized through the provision of several large, operable windows.” Information provided by Atelier Kastelic Buffey; photography courtesy of Shai Gil.