Design TIps- Winter Sports Edition
With its breathtaking landscapes, pristine snow-capped peaks, and endless opportunities for winter sports, it's no wonder that many dream of building a home in the Mountain West. But designing a home that not only complements the natural beauty of the mountains but also accommodates your winter sports lifestyle requires careful planning and thoughtful design.
At A43 Architecture, we specialize in creating homes that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings and embrace the outdoor experience. We are excited to share some considerations for designing a mountain home that enhances winter sports like skiing, fat-biking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
The Mudroom: A Winter Sports Essential
A well-designed mudroom is crucial for keeping your home clean and organized during the winter months. It should be a space where you can easily shed wet and muddy gear, store winter sports equipment, and warm up before heading back out into the cold. Key features to consider:
Ample Storage: Built-in lockers, cubbies, and hooks for coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Incorporate bins or baskets to keep small items tidy and quickly accessible.
Drying Rack: A dedicated space to dry wet gear quickly. Boot & glove dryers can also be a handy addition to speed up drying times.
Bench Seating: A comfortable place to change out of those stiff ski boots and into comfy slippers.
Durable and Skid-Free Flooring: Materials like LVT and tile can not only withstand abrasion from ski boots and gear, but are also easy-to-clean. Engineered hardwood can be a great looking option with a careful selection of a rug or carpet runner to help provide some protection and slip-resistance.
The Garage: More Than Just Parking
Your garage can be more than just a place to park your car. In expensive areas like Teton County, storage space can be limited, so the garage often serves as a functional space for storing and maintaining your winter sports equipment.
Bike Storage: Wall-mounted racks are great for ease of access but can still take up quite a bit of space. For taller garages, consider a ceiling-mounted bike hoist to keep bikes organized, and off the floor while also freeing up wall storage space.
Ski and Snowboard Storage: Install wall-mounted ski and snowboard racks in a garage (or mudroom) to keep equipment off the floor and minimize clutter. Vertical storage solutions maximize space and make accessing your gear easier.
Work Bench: Having a dedicated workspace for tuning and repairing equipment can be extremely valuable. Integrating power outlets and task lighting will make for a versatile workspace.
Temperature Control: Adequate insulation and heating units can make for a cozy space to tune skis or buckle up your snowshoes. Temperature control can also help prevent ongoing moisture damage and reduces corrosion on expensive gear.
Gear Shelves: Shelves specifically for storing equipment and supplies, including wax, tools for maintenance, and extra safety gear can make your work more efficient.
The Porch: A Winter Retreat
A well-designed porch (or deck) can be a perfect transition space from outdoors to indoors. It can also be a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the mountain views, even in the winter.
Storage: Having a place to store outdoor gear, like snowshoes and sleds, is a great convenience.
Weather Protection: A covered porch with a roof, and maybe even walls (or screening elements), to shield you from the elements extends the use of those spaces well into the inclement months. This can be a great place to wind down after a day on the slopes.
Heating: A fireplace or outdoor heater to keep you warm with a cup of hot chocolate or cocktail. A hot tub or outdoor sauna can also provide therapeutic recovery time.
Comfortable Seating: Plush furniture and cozy blankets can entice the group into an outdoor hang session, even when the temps drop.
By incorporating these design elements, you can create a mountain home that's not only beautiful but also highly functional for your winter sports lifestyle. A43 Architecture is here to help you bring your dream mountain home to life.
Would you like to discuss your dream mountain home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. (307) 249-8650.