The architectural style of the chalet, which has become especially popular in the construction of country houses, reflects the desire of people for well-being and peace, for the preservation of family traditions and values. Large solid houses with a gable sloping roof, built of natural stone and wood, fit beautifully into the surrounding landscape. Successfully combining simplicity and sophistication, reliability and convenience, they have gained recognition in many countries, especially where harsh climatic conditions require additional protection from adverse natural factors. A chalet-style house is not only cozy, but also very practical.
The main features of the chalet style
Initially, the word chalet was used to refer to small rural houses in the Alps, distinguished by their special architecture. The homeland of the Alpine style is considered to be the south-east of France, bordering Switzerland. Literally, chalet means "shepherd's hut". Residents of a mountainous area with an extremely harsh climate sought to build the warmest and most reliable housing for their family.
The traditional chalet-style house was built from local natural materials: a strong foundation and a basement floor made of natural stone, and subsequent tiers and an attic made of hard coniferous wood (pine, larch). The sloping roof, which protrudes far beyond the outer walls, reliably protects the base of the house and the surrounding area from moisture, and in winter keeps the snow at the top. This design, characteristic of the Alpine style, makes the cottages easily recognizable. Snow caps in winter unusually decorate chalet-style houses, their photos resemble fairy-tale towers wrapped in fluffy fur. In addition, snow reserves on the roof additionally insulate the attic floor, and also serve as a source of natural moisture for household needs.
By the way, an attic with a sloping ceiling and a spacious terrace stretching across the entire facade of the building and based on the structures of the first floor are an indispensable attribute of the Alpine style.
Alpine house character
Like any home, a chalet-style house has its own character. It is characterized primarily by simplicity, reliability and comfort. Washed by rains, fanned by winds, it stands firmly on its foundation and looks like a protective dwelling. The Alpine house is not characterized by eye-catching luxury, but rather wisdom and solidity. The appearance of buildings has changed over time, but a chalet-style country house still remains a citadel of comfort and coziness, able to protect not only from harsh climatic conditions, but also from psychological stress. Laconic forms, clear lines,the romantic appearance of the house and the sweet breath of a coniferous log house give residents a feeling of peace, stability, joy of life.
Interior decoration
A chalet-style home is as simple on the inside as it is on the outside. The decoration uses the same natural materials - stone and wood. The design style has been preserved to this day: furniture made of roughly processed wood, clay utensils, colorful homespun carpets, and various rural paraphernalia. A traditional element of the Alpine dwelling is a light, elegant fireplace that creates a romantic atmosphere. The interior layout is characterized by the presence of a large kitchen and a spacious lounge, the decoration of which uses a color contrast of light stone and dark wood. As a rule, decoration elements are devoid of pretentiousness, they are simple and subordinate to the functionality and practicality of the family way.
Calet-chalet - protection from stress
The Alpine-style house is a corner of psychological comfort, which is so necessary for a modern person living in conditions of an accelerated pace and constant stress. Cottages-chalets of our time are built using new technologies and materials that in no way worsen the climatic stability of buildings and do not violate the original style. This takes into account the human desire to live surrounded by environmentally friendly materials. Houses are built in picturesque places outside the city, which corresponds to the desire of romantics to stay warm and comfortable in the bosom of nature, amongsimple but made with love things.
