Architecture
Snow Patrol: Tips and Pitfalls in Alpine Design
From the Snowy Mountains to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, here's what to consider when it comes to safe alpine design
My love for the the alps was first ignited, as a uni student, when I set off on a Work Experience USA program and had the privilege to call Beaver Creek, Colarado home. Fluttering my eyelids, just a little, I enticed some dudes to teach the Aussie chick (who was born and bred on a dairy farm and had never seen snow) to snowboard. Many hours of patience (by the dudes) and two large bruises on each of my butt cheeks, I had fallen in love … yes, with the snow. Many years on, my passion for the alps and it’s unique architecture is still close to my heart. I honed my design skills on the prestigious mountain homes of Whistler, Canada and later brought that knowledge to fruition in Victoria, designing homes in our Snowy Mountains, especially, Dinner Plain, Mount Hotham.
If you are considering building or buying a chalet of your own, I implore you to look up and see how the roof has been designed first. One of the critical aspects of designing in the alpine region is understanding the roof design and ensuring the shed of snow from it creates safe passages for pedestrians.
If you are considering building or buying a chalet of your own, I implore you to look up and see how the roof has been designed first. One of the critical aspects of designing in the alpine region is understanding the roof design and ensuring the shed of snow from it creates safe passages for pedestrians.
Intriguing complex roof. When designing a roof for alpine conditions, you either design it to hold snow or to shed snow. Pretty simple concept but there is more to it. Take a look at this chalet – it has a highly complex roof form designed generally with a steep enough pitch to shed snow. With complex roofs, you need to watch out for areas that will trap snow and lead to excessive accumulation. Behind the stone chimney at the shed dorma is one such possible hazard.
A-frame roof plus gables. This modest, two-and-a-half storey cabin, in Dinner Plain, Victoria, has a refined roof form with simple A-frame construction with gable dormas at either end adding valuable height and space to the living and kitchen area within. It is an example of where you do not need highly complex roof forms to create interesting and beautiful spaces. The corrugated metal roof at 38-degree pitch is designed to shed snow, to either side, away from the entry.
Superb skillion. From one extreme to another, this is the simplest roof form you could have – a single skillion, designed to fall snow in one direction. This is not an Australian example, though the epic snow fall may have given that away! The walls and roof of this Washington dwelling have typically up to 40 per cent more insulation than standard construction. This reduces the differential temperature between inside and outside creating an environment where the snow is more likely to stay on the roof. The snow also acts as an additional insulating blanket, keeping the occupants snug inside.
Safety first. Snow falls in a variety of density and moisture content. This creates layers in the snow, which act as shear planes. If the snow falls off in large slabs, it can be highly dangerous to anyone below – people have been killed from snow dumps. It is very important to consider the position and form of the entry and to ensure it is clear of any potential snow shedding. This portico may have employed a snow-retention system where rails are placed on the roof to the hold the snow. These are only effective, however, up to the depth of the rail. Alternatively, this entry could be improved by blocking off the front of the porch, with a balustrade. Owners could safely enter the porch from the side where the fire logs are currently stacked. A simple but potentially life-saving modification.
Boxed entry. This is a spectacular home. It has a simple roof that gently falls to the rear of the dwelling. The cedar-lined boxed entry is a simple and effective cover from the weather, and a safe haven as you enter this beautiful dwelling.
Intimate deck. Cosy covered outdoor spaces can also provide a welcome sanctuary after a day on the slopes. Lower yourself down in the hot tub and soak up the view of the gum trees and sooth those muscles. A large roof overhang or this gabled dorma also provides protection from snow drift to walls and windows.
Intimate portico. An intimate entry portico is also incredibly practical. The chunky timber beams and metal roof that sweeps almost to the ground provides a safe haven when entering this winter cabin. The portico is designed to hold only a small amount of snow so it will be deposited safely to the ground. The Glenrowan stone plinths proudly marshal the entry and importantly restrict anyone exiting sideways, in the fall line of the snow. It is hard to see, but an expanded metal mesh has been used as the steps and floor at the entry. Snow falls harmlessly through the grate to the ground. On timber or tiled decks, the snow can melt and freeze creating a slip and slide at your entry. It is hard enough to get in and out with your ski gear on without an extra slippery hazard!
Parking safely. In Dinner Plain, all houses are given names, and this one is aptly named by the owners: The Loveshack. Take a close look, yes we do get great snow in Australia. I find the snow-laden gum trees particularly charming. When thinking about snow, we also need to consider our cars and ensure they are safely parked and, if you’re lucky, undercover too, like this dwelling. Make sure there is a safe path from the carport to the entry.
As I write this, I am recalling a particularly poor choice in parking I made in Whistler, Canada. A somewhat irate snow clearer, and his large bulldozer surrounded my car with snow several metres high. A good reminder not to park in snow-clearing bays, too.
As I write this, I am recalling a particularly poor choice in parking I made in Whistler, Canada. A somewhat irate snow clearer, and his large bulldozer surrounded my car with snow several metres high. A good reminder not to park in snow-clearing bays, too.
Vast outdoor rooms. Open fire, surrounded by beautiful mountains, ski in and out, what more could you ask for? This is a stunning alpine outdoor room. The balustrade prevents wayward people, falling off the side or finding themselves in the roof snow-drop zone. Yes, I could happily spend some time here after a hard day exercising on the mountain.
Alpine dream. If you dream about owning your own little alpine cabin, or plan to build one, talk to an architect and builder who has experience in this specialist area. Take heed that heavy snow falling from a height can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal.
Please be vigilant if you are visiting, living or playing in snow, and have an awesome time. The Snowy Mountains is a magical place.
TELL US
Do you own an alpine retreat? What were some of the considerations when you built it or bought it? Do you have any other snow-safety tips to share? Tell us in the Comments section.
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Please be vigilant if you are visiting, living or playing in snow, and have an awesome time. The Snowy Mountains is a magical place.
TELL US
Do you own an alpine retreat? What were some of the considerations when you built it or bought it? Do you have any other snow-safety tips to share? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
13 Tricks to Stay Warm for Less This Winter
8 Winter Hobbies to Make You Fall in Love With Your Home