Indigenous Mountain Architecture

The grand fireplace accentuates the cozy living room.

          Take a walk in the forest. Go for a hike along the river. Climb a mountain. How do you feel? More importantly, what do you feel? What is there? What is not? Notice colors, forms, light, shadows. Now walk the lot you are going to build upon and let your senses gather the same information. Why? Because a good mountain building is one in which form and function have been influenced by the environment in which it is placed.
          That is what is meant by indigenous mountain architecture. It produces buildings that blend with the environment, buildings that make reference to the mountain's ecological system, its climate, and its sensory qualities. It also goes further to include the historic flavor of the town in which the building is being placed.
          Too often new mountain buildings make no reference to the site in which they are placed. Irrational forms, meaningless placement and inappropriate styles contradict the spirit of the natural environment. Those same qualities often compromise the historic character of the area as well.
          So what is the criteria we can apply to new buildings in our mountains that will allow them to enhance the natural environment and maintain the historic character of our towns? It starts with awareness, a connectedness to both the natural environment and the history of the area in which the building is to be placed. Then it requires and understanding of what qualities all good mountain buildings possess.