This chalet is at the foot of the Alpine Ski Club near Collingwood Ontario. The challenge was create a design that had the ambience of a traditional ski lodge, even though it was located in a subdivision with a variety of architectural styles ranging from neo-classical to modern. While the chalet is large with seven bedrooms, it appears to low scale from the street. The goal of minimizing scale at the street was achieved by introducing a courtyard between the front and back of the building so that a two storey portion could be built at the rear. This massing allows the two storey portion to see over the one storey portion at the street, and present a view up to the ski hills. The courtyard is therefore protected from view and forms an outdoor room which house a fire pit, barbecue and hot tub.
Upon entering the building, the visitor sees into the courtyard and beyond to the great room. The kitchen is at the front of the house, leading back to the dining area which overlooks the courtyard. The two storey great room is at the rear and accommodates a TV lounge as well as a large fireplace. The upper level has two bedrooms and the lounge area on a connecting bridge overlooking the ski hills. The master bedroom is at the rear and includes a den/workspace and fireplace, as well as a large ensuite bathroom overlooking an outdoor fireplace.
The basement level includes three more bedrooms, a sports bar with pool table, wine cellar, laundry and a large workshop.