his chapter presents a selection of houses from all over the world, built in the mountains and of special architectural interest. AII are modern interpretations of those early buildings that, for a number of very specific historical and economic reasons, were at one time located in this very special environment. The result is a transmutation of traditional building values and elements, into which renowned architects later incorporated new technological discoveries, producing structures capable of withstanding all kinds of adverse climatic and geographical conditions without foregoing any of the comfort and convenience that modern society demands. In order to understand the modern concept that defines these buildings, we therefore first need to analyze the distinguishing features of the houses of the past.
The principal characteristics of the few dwellings constructed in this inhospitable environment have, for many years, defined what is known as the traditional style. The first of these is, without doubt, the variety of form that resulted from the conflict between the creative imagination and the necessary functional aspects, the wide range of materials available, and the position the building was given. The traditional structures with their enormous, sloping roofs and solid masses of masonry were designed to inspire a sense of security.
These typical features have shown modern architects that in order to withstand the rigors of the climate and the topographical problems encountered in this environment, a building must be unpretentious. In fact many of the solutions devised in the past have withstood the test of time.
Today this type of building normally utilizes materials from the site itself or from the local area, depending on the degree of isolation. The timber frame construction, for example, commonly used in the 18th century, has been readopted by a group of modern architects, as it allows great variety in design and layout. In the interior, the widespread use of wood stems from the desire to give rooms warmth and character. The different layouts are chosen to give the building the feeling of a refuge: external traffic areas that would be at the mercy of the hostile environment are avoided. Great care is also taken in the choice of site and
positioning of the house: poor placement in relation to the slope and the cardinal points could make a building uninhabitable.
Another element incorporated into many modern buildings is a stone plinth that not only isolates the building from the ground, but also provides a solid base for the chimney. Historically, people who moved to the mountains did so out of necessity because they needed to be near pasture and look after their animals. Today, however, the reasons are very different. People make a free choice to live in the mountains. They build houses either for occasional use – during holiday periods – or settle there permanently, making their mountain dwelling their main home.
The view also plays an important role – a house in the mountains must provide a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. This predilection is the result of a more contemplative attitude to life and was not a requirement of the architecture of the past. Formerly the view was not taken into account and openings were therefore of very limited size to afford better protection against the cold. Today, however, houses in the mountains are designed with large windows that open defiantly, challengingly, onto the world outside.
The contribution made by modern architecture in this respect is precisely the infinite freedom with which the traditional responses to the problems encountered are given a fresh interpretation. All of that brings us to an analysis of how such buildings are adapted to fit the landscape. A building need not necessarily be adapted to blend into its immediate environment, as if it wished to conceal itself or felt subservient to its surroundings. Integration is not only a visual matter, but also a technical one.
Today, architects commissioned to build in the mountains regard tradition as a very useful source from which to develop their ideas. All the houses that appear here demonstrate that good architecture cannot be achieved with a servile attitude. On the contrary, the finest, most exquisite examples are those where the architect combines imagination with intelligence and adopts an approach that addresses the specific conditions imposed by the environment.
The most appealing houses are those adapted to the landscape and lifestyle of the area where they are built.