Unusual houses in the mountains. Projects of houses on a slope. Traditional colonial house

Doesn't occur. But if there is construction on a slope, then the task becomes many times more complicated. Today, houses on the slope are popular. They are aesthetically more attractive and unusual in themselves. When deciding to build such a house, it is important to take into account many nuances. And first of all, remember that the layout of the room will also depend on the site.

Hillside house projects

Before you build a house on a slope, you need to correctly create a project. All further construction will depend on this. Even if the terrain has obvious flaws, they can be competently beaten and made into a landmark of the building. When creating a house project, you need to know what the slopes of the relief are:

  • A flat piece of terrain that has a slope of no more than 3%.
  • A relief with a small slope from 3 to 8%.
  • Terrain with an average slope of up to 20%.
  • Steep relief from 20%.

The optimal sites for construction work are options with a slope of 3 to 8%. But if the territory has a slope of more than 8%, then it is recommended to know the principles of construction on such an area. So, the projects of houses on a slope can be varied, it all depends on the area and the literacy of the architect.

Construction on a small slope

Building a house on a plot with a slope of 8 to 20% has its own characteristics. At first glance, the angle is small, but requires a special approach. In the design of such houses, it is necessary to provide for a floor of the room buried below ground level. It does not require a flat building site. In order to build a basement, part of the earth is cut out. It can be built together with the foundation. For houses on small slopes, the basement is simply irreplaceable. The material in its construction is the same as for the foundation. Mostly concrete blocks, monoliths, bricks are used.

Significantly expands the territory of the building and can be used as a garage, utility room or sauna. It all depends on the desire of the customer. If on a slope it is possible to drive vehicles to the basement, then this is a great solution for a garage. It is best to choose an uneven building site on dry and elevated terrain. This will help solve a number of problems with water disposal. It is advisable to equip the walls of the house with waterproofing material, especially where there is contact with the ground. It is also recommended to lay waterproofing under the foundation.

Building a house on a steep slope

Houses on steep slopes with a slope of more than 20% require a special approach. For this type of development, a special project is being created, which will take into account all the features of the area. Most of these houses have many tiers and terraces.

The design of such a building is attractive in that many rooms will have individual exits. And economic and non-residential premises will be posted on different levels.

A house on a mountain with terraces gives architects the opportunity to show all their imagination. The main task of such development is to transform the slope into several working surfaces. The buildings are placed on horizontal platforms, and they are connected by various steps. Terraces must be equipped with special props, they take on the entire load. Also, the terraced house has many possibilities. These rooms can be used as recreation areas, balconies and verandas.

Features of the foundation of houses on a slope

Modern construction allows you to build a foundation on any terrain with a different slope. Of course, the best site for building is a slope of no more than 3%. But if the house is on a mountain, then the foundation will be different:

  1. A slope of more than 8% requires the construction of a basement. The foundation will be tape type with waterproofing.
  2. Houses on slopes with a slope of more than 20% need a support base. The foundation will consist of stepped or screw type piles.

When you should take into account some of the nuances:

  • It is recommended to waterproof the basement floor, as it can be flooded. And if this happens, the consequences will be serious.
  • Thermal insulation must be present.
  • Drainage protection is necessary, this will prevent the foundation from destruction.

The foundation on the slope has both a load-bearing and an aesthetic function. It can be used as an additional room or, with the help of its unusual external design, give the building an original appearance.

Features of designing houses on a slope

Projects of houses on a slope are created so that the building is built from top to bottom. First of all, you need to start from the living space and attach various terraces with basement floors to it. It is important that the plan of the basement completely coincides with the layout of the walls of the first. Such a structure is load-bearing, and a large load will be placed on it. When planning the basement, it is recommended to follow safety rules. Do not arrange a boiler room in it and store items that can easily ignite. This can lead to a fire of the entire house.

A residential building on a slope is a very attractive prospect, especially if you have beautiful scenery.

But do not forget that when creating a project, you may encounter some difficulties:

  • Depending on the area finished project will need to be improved.
  • Due to the characteristics of the soil, problems may arise in the operation of special equipment.
  • It is recommended to accurately calculate and take into account all environmental factors.
  • Moisture that flows down the slopes can destroy the foundation, so it should be well waterproofed.

Benefits of slope houses

Projects of houses on a slope are complex, but at the same time they are distinguished by interesting design solutions. Such buildings have many positive aspects:

  • Design solutions and experiments with height differences.
  • Possibility to lay water supply at different levels. The lower tier with sewerage, on the upper floors - water supply.
  • Financial savings by building on uneven terrain.
  • Several exits and a terrace for relaxation, as well as the division of the house into zones.

Disadvantages of building houses on a slope

When faced with the construction of houses on slopes with a variety of slopes, you need to be aware of its shortcomings. And also prepare for all possible difficulties that may arise during the operation of the building.

So, the negative sides of houses on the slopes include:

  • Ground movements and landslides that can compromise the integrity of the foundation.
  • Difficulties in construction according to standard projects.
  • There is no uniform lighting in all rooms.
  • It is difficult to get to the house for people of advanced age.

For those who love nature and comfort, as well as interesting design solutions, a house on a slope is the best choice.

We are all used to the fact that at home we feel comfortable and protected. It's hard to say that, being in the rooms presented in this article, you can think that you are in complete security. And in general, I wonder how these architectural "creations" have not collapsed yet? Their creators are obviously talented people!

If you like to tickle your nerves, then go to any of the buildings in our today's selection - you are guaranteed a thrill!

1. Holman House, Australia

Its creator was clearly inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso. Block Jaggers swims over the sea.

2. Meteora Monasteries, Greece

Meteora means "suspended in the air" in Greek. There is no other name for this breathtaking monastic dwelling!

The monastery was founded in the 11th century and laid out on top of a sandstone tower without roads, amenities or any technology. By the way, they live there to this day.

3. The HemLoft, Canada

Looking almost like a dewdrop, this secret hideout is hung (somewhat illegally) on a steep slope in a tall hemlock stand in Whistler.

4. Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia

The building is located on a narrow basalt rock between the rivers Fluvià and Toronell. The emergence of the village is dated closer to the Middle Ages. Approximately 1,000 inhabitants still live there, occupying an area of ​​less than a square kilometer.

5. Cliff House, Calpe, Spain

The project of the residence belongs to the architect Fran Silvestre. This private house overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It was built in a year using reinforced concrete slabs.

6. The Hanging Houses, Spain

Cuenca's Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas) were built on a cliff overlooking the Huécar River over 500 years ago.

As you can see, standing on the railing of some of these wooden balconies, you can literally feel like you are in the air.

7. Sky High Treehouse, France

The structure is delicately balanced on a forty-meter pine tree. Your heart will be racing as you climb the stairs, but the scenery of the nearby Lake Geneva is well worth the tickle.

8. River House, Serbia

This small house on a rocky island in the middle of the Drina River was built by a group of boys in 1968 as their club.

The structure is currently owned and operated by the Bajina Basta Kayak Club.

9. Fallingwater, Pennsylvania

10. Stahl House, Hollywood Hills

In 1959, Buck Stahl bought a mountain lot overlooking Los Angeles for less than $14,000. He built his dwelling out of glass in order to look at the panoramas of the city below.

It took a while to find a smart enough architect. As a result, the house created by Pierre Koenig has become a real miracle of design!

11. Villa Amanzi, Phuket, Thailand

This impressive home is nestled in a narrow gorge overlooking the azure sea. There, in an open pavilion, you can get an amazing massage.

12. Monte Rosa Hut, Swiss Alps, Switzerland

This building, which looks like a ship, was designed specifically for climbers going to the top of the glacier.

Resembling a shimmering ice crystal, the hut generates 90% of its energy needs from photovoltaic solar panels and solar thermal systems.

13. Socotra Island, Indian Ocean

This place is like another planet. The city simply causes dizziness, because it is erected on top of a coastal cliff.

It seems that the houses are part of the rock, and are compressed so that there is no road between them.

14. Takasugi-an Teahouse, Japan

There is nothing fictional here. This is a modern development of the architect Terunobu Fujimori.

This structure was erected on the tops of two chestnut trees carved from a nearby mountain. It is called "Takasugi", which means "tea house built too high". Perfection!

15. Fallen Star, San Diego

Yes, you are not mistaken, it really hangs from the side of the University of San Diego. This is a technical sculpture built as an addition to the Stuart Collection school.

Fallen Star is fully furnished.

16 Upside Down House, Poland

If the hanging building isn't enough for you, there's another one that's completely upside down. The hut was built by Polish businessman Daniel Czapiewski in the village of Szymbark. It is intended to show the communist era and the chaotic structure of the world.

17. Mirrorcube, Sweden

To be honest, you wouldn't even be able to tell this cube from the surrounding foliage.

It can only be reached by a 12-meter bridge. Those brave enough to travel to the Mirrorcube are rewarded with a double bed, a bathtub and a rooftop terrace.

18. “Just Enough Room” Island, Canada

Located in the archipelago of islands on the border with the United States. Now you understand why it is called "enough space".

19. Xuankong Temple, China

Presumably, one person built this temple one and a half thousand years ago. It still hangs above the river bed at a height of about 90 meters.

20. Balancing Barn, Suffolk

This is a very clever English design, created using an optical illusion.

21. UFO, Sweden

This tree-hung fantasy belongs to the same group of minds that created the Mirrorcube. Visitors must be prepared to enter unknown worlds… at least in your dreams!

22 HP Tree House, Australia

This magnificent building rises above the forest with a galvanized steel frame.

23. Nut House, Düsseldorf

This walnut house is supported by stilts. It is used as a playroom for the owner's three children and an occasional guest room.

Spacious balconies at the corners of the building serve as a natural extension of the interior space living rooms Wooden structures with shelves mask the height difference between the floor levels of the living room and dining room and, in addition to the main functional purpose, can serve as a bench
The massive beam in the representative area that supports the roof is made from a single log. It rests on two reinforced concrete supports: one of them is part of the outer walls of the building and is masked by the fireplace facade, and the second is on the border of the dining and kitchen areas. In the corner of the living room, not far from the window, a comfortable cloth hammock is suspended, fixed at one end to the wall, and at the other end to the end part of the reinforced concrete supporting structure. To preserve the privacy of the situation, the window in the dining room was made narrow The area of ​​the floor in front of the fireplace is covered with ceramic tiles The furnishings of a small office consist of a computer desk, a chair and light shelving, located almost around the entire perimeter of the room. The hearth is visible from the study area
Directional light sources mounted on a massive beam in the kitchen area, as well as small lamps built into wall cabinets and an extractor hood, provide comfortable working conditions

The interior of the parents' bathroom is decorated in a retro style. Plumbing - Ido In the guest room, a parquet board made of bamboo in two shades was used - thus creating an interesting striped pattern of the flooring. The same stripes, made with the help of a tinting composition, are present in the design of the wooden filing of the ceiling. The bathroom, located on the upper level, is quite small in size and is equipped with a shower cabin. The floor and walls are tiled with ceramic tiles, the color of which matches the wooden ceiling lining perfectly.

From the nursery, as well as from other rooms of the house, you can go to a large balcony. The corner window provides good insolation. Simple but functional wooden furniture is matched to the growth of a young inhabitant of the house Ground floor plan Ground floor plan

Chalet - a type of rural house that has developed in mountainous Switzerland. A stone foundation, wooden walls, a roof with a wide overhang that protects the building from snowfall are the main features of its architecture. In addition, the chalet is the embodiment of the idea of ​​a natural flow of life in harmony with nature.

The owners of this house are a young married couple. They had long planned to acquire their own home, and this became especially relevant when the first child was born in the family. The question of who to entrust the development of the project was decided very quickly. The couple turned to their longtime friend and frequent guest - architect Yuri Krasovsky.

From the very beginning, the relationship was built on complete trust. We discussed in advance only the number of living rooms, their purpose and size. And the architect, knowing his friends well, their way of life, tastes, hobbies and habits, tried to plan the building so that everyone would be comfortable and, no less important, it would be interesting to live in a new house.

The idea of ​​building a chalet arose in the most natural way, because the scene is Krasnaya Polyana, the famous ski resort. At the same time, the architect set himself the task: to think over the design of the house so that it fits as naturally as possible into natural environment. The main idea was to reflect the terrain in the organization of the internal space of the building. As a result, the house not only gained several levels, rising in accordance with the slope of the site, but also became, as it were, an integral part of the landscape, literally merging with it.

About a log and a happy accident

A massive log passing over the living area acts as a carrier beam (ridge run). Initially, it was planned to use two wooden beams about 12 m long from glued laminated timber as this element of the floor over the representative area. Construction details of this format could only be made in Sochi. However, there were difficulties with the delivery of such large-sized items to the highlands. The solution to the problem came quite unexpectedly. Not far from the village, a strong wind knocked down a tall tree... The trunk was only cleaned of bark, treated with flame retardant and antiseptic compounds - and the spectacular element, which became the highlight of the entire architectural composition, was ready.

One foundation, two foundations...

At first glance, the house seems small. However, the impression is deceptive, since a significant part of the building is hidden underground. Compositionally, the building consists of two architectural volumes. The higher part with the basement floor is located at the foot of the hill and is partially "embedded" into the slope. It stands on a reinforced concrete strip-type foundation with vertical waterproofing made of rolled material, as well as horizontal waterproofing made of roofing material. The depth of the foundation varies from 0.8 to 1.5 m - this is due to the relief of the site and the nature of the soil.

The one-story part of the building without a basement is located on the upper level. Under it, a slab foundation 300 mm high was laid on a gravel-sand cushion, for the horizontal waterproofing of which an HPP elastocrown was used.

Walls with a "double bottom"

The walls of the basement floor, 2.8 m high, are made of monolithic reinforced concrete (as well as the ceiling). Those sections of the walls that are underground are protected by vertical waterproofing (rolled material was used). For thermal insulation, foam insulation boards (70 mm) were glued to the walls of the basement floor, they were additionally fixed with a metal reinforcing mesh and facade dowels. Behind the insulation layer in the underground sections of the basement walls, a pressure wall was made of bricks laid on edge.

The one-story part of the building stands on a high plinth. Its erection made it possible to compensate for the unevenness of the site, and the stepped composition created the basis for organizing a two-level internal space. The parts of the plinth that rise above the ground are lined with slabs of roughly processed limestone. The expressive texture of the cladding and the wide seams between the slabs create a spectacular illusion of real masonry.

In turn, the walls resting on the plinth seem to be made of wooden beams. However, it is also just a skillful decoration. The building has a stable frame, which is based on reinforced concrete supports at the corners of the house and its leading axes. The central load-bearing beam of the floor rests on two massive U-shaped reinforced concrete supports - one of them is built into the structure of the outer walls of the house, and the second is located in the area of ​​​​interfacing of architectural volumes, in the interior. The frame is necessary: ​​the building must withstand earthquakes up to 9 points - this is an indispensable requirement for construction, taking into account the seismic characteristics of the area. The walls are made of lightweight and economical expanded clay concrete blocks. Their external insulation 100 mm thick is made of Rockwool (Denmark) mineral wool boards. A layer of hydro and wind insulation is laid on top of the insulation. A board 50 mm thick was used for decorative cladding, which creates the illusion of real wooden walls.

"Pie" on the roof

Each of the two parts of the building ends with a pitched roof truss structure. Wooden rafters have a section of 200-120 mm. At the junction of architectural volumes, a common fragment of the roof slope is formed, due to which the building is perceived as a single whole. The roof resembles a pie - it consists of several layers: vapor barrier, insulation (Rockwool mineral wool, 170 mm), wind insulation. To ensure natural ventilation, a ventilation gap (30 mm) was made under the continuous flooring of waterproof plywood. Roofing material - bituminous tiles Katepal (Finland); under it is laid a waterproofing lining carpet.

Up the steps

The house is entered through the basement. The front door opens into a spacious lobby with stairs leading upstairs. Behind the lobby there is a large technical hall, where the doors of the service rooms of the basement open: a laundry room, a dressing room, a pantry. There is also a separate bathroom here. In the basement there is also a boiler room - you can get into it through the laundry room. The house is heated with a double-circuit boiler Viessmann (Germany), running on liquid fuel. Prudent owners have purchased a model that can also run on gas, as it is planned to provide the village with a centralized gas supply in the near future. To heat the basement floor, heated water floors are equipped. In turn, in the residential area - a combined heating system that combines water heating radiators and water floors, arranged where there is a ceramic floor covering, namely, in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The residential area is divided into public and private parts. The peculiarity of the organization of its internal space is that the functional areas are at different levels: they rise in accordance with the relief of the hill on the slope of which the building stands. Such a move allows, on the one hand, to create a sense of the integrity of the space, and on the other hand, to structure it without erecting unnecessary partitions, which is especially important for a not very large house.

The living room is located on the lower level. The central element here is a fireplace, the base of which, together with a radius-shaped platform adjacent to it, is 30 cm below the floor level. Those who want to sit closer to the fire can sit on the semicircular "step" formed at the place of the level difference. Since the purpose of the fireplace in this case is not so much to heat the room, but to please the inhabitants of the house and their guests with a cheerful play of flames, the firebox and the chimney are made of refractory bricks, which practically do not retain heat. The round base of the hearth is made of natural stone. The facade is lined with natural limestone - the plinth is also finished in the same way, thanks to which there is a kind of roll call of the external and internal spaces. The showcase windows of the living room serve the same purpose, from which a beautiful view of the picturesque valley opens.

The kitchen and dining area is designed 67 cm above the living room level. To get there, you need to climb the stairs. The role of the "watershed" between the dining room and the kitchen is played by a supporting structure made of monolithic reinforced concrete, decorated with natural stone. This rather wide pier partially covers the kitchen area from the living room and dining room.

A few more steps above is the office - it is already above the basement. The border of this room, also open, is only conditionally marked by a light shelving structure, made according to an individual project.

If the office, as well as the dining and kitchen area, is visible from the living room, then the private apartments are securely hidden from the eyes of strangers behind the turn of the wall. Four rooms - the parents' bedroom, children's room, guest room, and a bathroom - are located around the perimeter of a small hall. A separate bathroom adjoins the parents' bedroom, next to it is a bathroom.

A special advantage of the house, which should be noted, are the balconies. this is a necessary attribute: the chalet must have either a balcony or a terrace. The building has three balconies encircling the corners of the building: in the living room, the nursery and one in the parents' and guest's rooms.

Rural comfort

Natural materials - wood, stone, fabric - are used in the interior decoration, and therefore a very cozy and warm atmosphere reigns here. Practically in all rooms as a floor covering - a parquet board. Only in the kitchen and dining areas, as well as in the bathrooms, the floor is covered with ceramic tiles, but they also resemble natural stone in color and texture.

When developing the design, the architect paid special attention to the ceiling. The roof beams, left exposed, are tinted a darker color compared to the wooden ceiling sheathing, which emphasizes their geometrically distinct pattern. In the wall decoration, wood paneling is combined with limestone cladding and textured plaster, selected so that it harmonizes in color with natural wood.

The decor of the rooms is simple and concise, which is consistent with the rustic style organic for the chalet. In the living area there are two sofas - their upholstery in color and texture resembles linen canvas and goes well with the fireplace lining. Made to order from natural wood, the massive antique-style dining room furniture is in harmony with the wood paneling of the walls, and in color echoes the roof beams and wooden window frames. Kitchen Varenna (Italy), discreetly shimmering with metal finish of the facade, it would seem that it should stand out from the general style. However, due to its strict forms and ultimate functionality, this does not happen. A metal hood almost the entire length of the working surface looks like a natural addition to the geometric intricacies of the beams. As for the private rooms of family members, preference is given to light-colored wooden furniture and natural fabrics.

An enlarged calculation of the cost * of building a house with a total area of ​​​​228 m 2, similar to the one presented

Name of works Qty price, rub. Cost, rub.
PREPARATORY AND FOUNDATION WORKS
Leveling and excavation 160 m3 450 72 000
The device of the bases from sand, crushed stone 21 m 3 220 4620
The device of the foundations of tape reinforced concrete 32 m 3 2400 76 800
The device of reinforced concrete slabs 22 m 3 2340 51 480
Arrangement of reinforced concrete basement walls with brick cladding on one side 29 m3 3600 104 400
Waterproofing horizontal and lateral 110 m2 112 12 320
Soil removal by dump trucks 150 m 3 520 78 000
Other works set - 14 200
TOTAL 413 820
Heavy concrete 54 m3 3100 167 400
Granite crushed stone, sand 21 m 3 950 19 950
Building ceramic brick 2.8 thousand pieces 5900 16 520
Heavy masonry mortar 0.8 m 3 1490 1192
Gidrostekloizol, bituminous mastic 110 m2 - 9970
Rebar, formwork panels and other materials set - 16 800
TOTAL 231 830
WALLS, PARTITIONS, FLOORS, ROOFING
Preparatory work, scaffolding installation set - 8900
Installation of reinforced concrete structures set - 12 700
Block masonry for exterior walls 29 m3 980 28 420
The device of monolithic ceilings 32 m 3 2800 89 600
The device of monolithic reinforced concrete stairs set - 19 000
Assembly of roof elements with battens 200 m2 670 134 000
Insulation of walls, ceilings and coatings with insulation 560 m2 54 30 240
Hydro-, vapor barrier device 560 m2 50 28 000
Bituminous roofing device 200 m2 220 44 000
Installation of a drainage system set - 19 200
Hemming of cornices, overhangs 38 m2 390 14 820
Filling openings with window blocks 32 m2 - 30 900
Other works set - 17 600
TOTAL 477 380
Applied materials by section
Aerated concrete block 29 m3 2050 59 450
Heavy masonry mortar 5 m 3 1490 7450
Heavy concrete 37 m 3 3100 114 700
Rolled steel, high-section steel, rebar set - 9200
Precast concrete structures set - 11 900
Edged lumber 12 m 3 4200 50 400
Steam-, wind-, hydro-protective films 560 m2 - 20 160
insulation 560 m2 - 60 480
Plywood waterproof 200 m2 210 42 000
Bituminous tiles, accessories (Finland) 200 m2 - 43 200
Drainage system (pipe, gutter, elbow, clamps) set - 12 600
Window blocks, enclosing structures 32 m2 - 242 500
TOTAL 674 040
ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Sewer system installation (septic tank) set - 22 800
Autonomous water supply device (well) set - 31 500
Electrical and plumbing work set - 232 000
TOTAL 286 300
Applied materials by section
Wastewater treatment plant (Russia) set - 87 000
Autonomous water supply system set - 60 500
Boiler equipment (Germany) set - 143 200
Plumbing and electrical equipment set - 380 000
TOTAL 670 700
FINISHING WORK
Assembly, carpentry, plastering, cladding and painting works set - 1 370 000
TOTAL 1 370 000
Applied materials by section
Parquet board, ceramic tiles, lining, drywall, door blocks, decorative elements, varnishes, paints, dry mixes and other materials set - 1 950 000
TOTAL 1 950 000
* - the calculation was made according to the average prices of construction companies in Moscow without taking into account the coefficients

In our selection - five modern houses built in the mountains.

In the bustle of cities and in the streams of cars
We are returning - there is simply nowhere to go!
And we go down from the conquered peaks,
Leaving in the mountains, leaving your heart in the mountains.

"Farewell to the mountains" by Vladimir Vysotsky is the unspoken anthem of climbers, the song after which the era of mountain tourism began in our country. " Better than mountains there can only be mountains," radio operator Volodya sang in the 1967 film "Vertical".

Architects also love mountains - for them this is a professional challenge, since building a house on the rocks is twice as difficult as on the plain.

RBC Real Estate has compiled a selection of five modern houses built in the mountains.

Nest on the rock

Many tracts of land on our planet are considered uninhabitable. For example, no one lives on sheer cliffs, however ...

Australian architects Modscape Concept came up with the concept of a residential building that can be placed on any cliff. A residential building clings to a rock and hangs over an abyss - the house is clearly not for those suffering from acrophobia (an obsessive fear of heights). The project is called Cliff House, which can be translated as "House over the cliff."

The architects were inspired to create the concept by ordinary shells that cling to boats and ships.

"House over the cliff" - modular, its number of storeys can vary from one level to ten. The floors are connected by an elevator and stairs. As the architects from Modscape Concept assure, such a house will be held securely in place with engineered steel pins.

Japanese minimalism

The house in the mountains of Yatsugatake was designed by the Japanese bureau Kidosaki Architects Studio. An exceptional feature of the building is a panoramic view of the classic Japanese landscape. The house literally hangs over the valley, almost half of the house is above the hill.

One side of the mountain cottage is supported by V-shaped columns. It has practically no external walls in the classical sense, everything is built of glass. A part of the house is also a wooden deck-terrace located along the perimeter. The interiors are minimalist - no unnecessary items. There are not even curtains - however, they are not needed: the nearest residential areas are located several kilometers somewhere far below.

Photo: 45g photography - Junji Kojima via Designboom.com

My own mountain

There are few mountains in Holland, so local architects propose to build cottages that would become "mountains". Rather, "hills".

The Denieuwegeneratie Forest Cottage project is a residential building, the appearance of which minimizes disturbance to the landscape. The house is an integral part of an artificial hill. On one side - the south - the house is open to the maximum. northern part covers the "carpet" of the earth with grass and shrubs.

American scope

Architect Nick Tsontakis proposes a new way to use the peaks of the rocky mountains in the United States. The project of his house is a "flying spaceship" that "saddled" one of the hills in Arizona.

“I wanted to make the design of the house memorable and simple,” says Nick Tsontakis of the project. “In my opinion, the house is an organic extension of the local nature.”

"Two wings of the house surround the mountain from the north and south, - the architect continues, - and in the middle - real nature: rocks, stones and wild shrubs."

The house has six bedrooms, each of which has a panoramic view of the surroundings. On an American scale, the architect provided for the house and a large garage - for ten cars.

Now the mountain cottage is already being built; customers with a suitable site were found for the project. Construction is planned to be completed in 2015.

Photo: tsontakiarchitecture.com

Villa Vals

Villa Vals in the mountains of Switzerland is a joint project of the Dutch bureau SeArch and architect Christian Mülle.

The most striking thing about this stone house is fabulous panorama alpine mountains, opening through a wide elliptical opening on the hillside, which, in fact, is the first entrance to this extraordinary house. Another, alternative entrance, located next to the barn, leads residents and guests along an underground path.

So leave unnecessary disputes!
I already proved everything to myself -
Only mountains can be better than mountains,
Which have not yet been.

Prepared by Ignat Bushukhin

Everyone knows that centenarians are often found among the inhabitants of mountainous areas. Do you want to count yourself among them? Then you need to urgently acquire real estate in the mountains in order to enjoy clean air and charming views from the window.

Having a house in the mountains is great, but is it better to just rent it for a few months of the year? Let's deal with this pressing issue together with the Dream House website. In this article, we will not only consider the advantages and disadvantages of living in the mountains, but also see interesting architectural objects where you can go on an excursion.

House in the mountains: advantages and disadvantages

The most important advantage of living in the mountains can be considered crystal clear air, not polluted by exhaust gases and waste from industrial enterprises.

The second advantage is the amazing views that open from, especially if your house is located in the mountains near the lake. Steep slopes covered with lush vegetation, clear and glassy water in the lake, as well as merging with nature and serenity, which cannot be expected in a bustling city. Beautiful landscapes allow you to escape from your sometimes not very pleasant thoughts and think about the eternal. It is these desires that push our compatriots to move to the mountains at least for a couple of months a year.

Modern house by the lake in the mountains

However, life in a house in the mountains allows you not only to admire the beautiful views, but also to engage in outdoor activities. In the winter it's skiing skiing, and in the summer - mountain tourism. An excellent choice for dynamic people who prefer passive lying on the beach active hikes over the mountainous area.

adjacent area, Mountain peaks and the house itself in the mountains is covered with fluffy snow in winter - and this is also worth a look! Is it not here that thousands of citizens dream of spending their Christmas holidays? So it's good in the mountains not only in summer, but also in winter.

Among the shortcomings can be noted the need to adapt to life high in the mountains. As a general rule, the higher we climb the mountains, the more difficult it becomes to breathe as the oxygen content decreases. Also strong winds V mountainous areas can significantly spoil general impression about vacation or life in the mountains. Of the subjective disadvantages, it should be noted the absence developed infrastructure(maybe not even close grocery store or point of emergency medical care), and in some cases, the elementary benefits of civilization (electricity, gas, water).

What are the difficulties associated with building a house in the mountains

The construction of houses in the mountains has a number of features, among all types they are considered one of the most difficult projects. First of all, the foundation must be built on solid rock, i.e. you may have to go deep into the ground. Next, you need to check the proximity of groundwater, which can erode the foundation and bring many other troubles to the building. Then it is desirable, because in winter the wind here is especially cold. Well, it would not be superfluous to think about backup power sources in case of a power line break, and if the house is not electrified, then purchase autonomous power plants that will provide an opportunity to use one of the main benefits of civilization without hindrance.

What types of construction are used to build houses in mountainous regions

Recently, it has become fashionable to build, which came to us from the Alpine mountains. This is a house of a combined type, in which the first floor is made of capital materials (stone, brick), and the second floor is made of wood (timber, log). This is done mainly in order to facilitate the construction of the house. The brick and wooden chalet house is less heavy, which is very important for mountainous areas, where the likelihood of landslides is quite high.

Interior of mountain houses

As for the interior design of a house in the mountains, the decoration, as a rule, mainly uses natural materials - wood and stone. Wooden panels on the walls, or parquet on the floor, and the surrounding area with stone or brick and cozy furniture are the main tenets of the design of mountain houses.

In addition, the beautiful landscapes that open up deserve to have a terrace in the house, which, in summer time will serve as recreation.

House in the mountains - bedroom interior with large windows

If we talk about interior styles, then the houses in the mountains are equipped mainly in a rustic style. And, as you know, it is famous for its simple forms, the absence of pretentious and conspicuous finishes, natural materials in the design of living space. But, despite belonging to this style, the interior of the house in the mountains perfectly combines rustic simplicity and modern functionality. Convenience, coziness and the availability of modern technology perfectly coexist in one area, making life easier for the owners. Also, a house in a mountainous area, like no other, accepts, ideally fitting into the surrounding space.

Unique architectural elements - houses in the mountains

And finally, let's see interesting mountain houses that deserve the attention of tourists. You may want to see them with your own eyes.

Beautiful houses in the mountains are not uncommon, but have you seen houses built into the mountain? A striking example such an incorporation of living space into the ground is Villa Vals in Switzerland, harmoniously blending into nature and the environment. The mountain itself serves as the walls and roof of this house, and the facade is lined with natural stone, which is, as it were, a continuation of the mountain. So, if there were no windows and doors, this building could hardly be identified as residential at first sight. Despite the fact that the owners have to live in a "dugout", the interior of this house is decorated very modern.

House in the mountains in winter - Villa Vals

Villa Vals – an unusual house in the mountain

Here's another one unique object architecture - a house-hill in Poland, which fits perfectly into hilly area. According to the architect, he was so impressed by the green hills with an abundance of vegetation that he decided to integrate the house into the hill and make it part of the natural landscape. How often have you seen grass growing on the roof of a house? And in this house, the roof is covered with grass growing in real soil, which was removed from the ground cover. On the one hand, it turns out that the house is not in harmony with the eco-space, and on the other hand, the grass on the roof helps to regulate the heat balance of the room.

Do you have the courage to visit a house in the mountains, located on a cliff or on its top, such as a house on a cliff in Spain? Sitting on a cliff with a cup of coffee as the raging waves crash below is not an activity for the faint of heart. And yet, at the moment, these buildings in the city of Cuenca are local attractions, gathering hundreds of tourists every day.