Craigleith Chalet

Set in a forested neighbourhood enclave where vintage homes meet modern retreats, this striking chalet blends traditional Austrian alpine architecture with a contemporary edge.

Located in the Georgian Bay community of The Blue Mountains, just minutes from winter’s snow-covered ski slopes, ERA was engaged to design a new winter family getaway intended to embrace its surroundings while offering up modern coziness.

A dramatic central vault connects the great room to the adjacent front and rear terraces. These outdoor spaces blur the boundary between inside and out, inviting an immersive experience of the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture shifting light from east to west, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature and framing sweeping treetop views.

The program is arranged to maximize both function and experience. The entry level includes a generous foyer, private bedroom suites, laundry, and a well-appointed mudroom — key for winter living. Upstairs, guests reach the chalet’s social core: a spacious living/dining area, an open kitchen, and a games room.

Materials play a crucial role in shaping the chalet’s atmosphere. The entry-level foyer is grounded by an exposed concrete floor and feature wall. Alongside the stairs, a vertical wood-slat screen extends upward, introducing a tactile transition to the second level, where wood flooring and accents imbue the space with warmth. Here, an exposed steel beam and a carefully proportioned concrete fireplace create a visual bridge between the home’s structural strength and its inviting interiors.

Externally, the design is a study in contrasts. The lower level is constructed using “board-formed concrete”; its wood grain imprint softens the material’s inherent coolness. Hovering above, a sleek black metal volume provides a striking counterpoint to the textured base below.

Blending innovation with tradition, this Blue Mountain chalet is more than a winter escape — it is a carefully crafted retreat where form, material, and environment come together.