Modern Mountain Architecture

Inspired by the beauty of their natural surroundings, these modern mountain homes balance modern simplicity and clean lines with the livable warmth of natural materials.

By: Dana Dalrymple

Modern Mountain Home on Lake Tahoe

With walls covered in windows it's easy to take in the scenery around this modern mountain home right on Lake Tahoe. The exterior keeps it natural by using stone walls and wood paneling.

From: Kelly & Stone Architects

Modern Mountain Cabin with Stone Exterior

This modern mountain home on Lake Tahoe combines modern design with the look and feel of a traditional cabin. A simple streamlined look allows the homeowner to enjoy their space without it distracting from what's outside.

From: Kelly & Stone Architects

Trees Surround Cabin's South Terrace

Knowing that his clients wanted a building that had presence in and subservience to the wild landscape, architect David Coleman and his team designed the building forms to be angular and elemental, not unlike the surrounding mountain peaks. The result is a dramatic design that's deceptively simple, deeply rooted in the site and unexpectedly crisp and modern.

From: David Coleman

Sleek and Sustainable Cabin in the Cascade Mountains

Located on a rain-drenched site in the northwestern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this modest, sustainable cabin in Marblemount, Wash., has a big presence in a rugged setting. Notice how the home's sleek, sloping exterior speaks to the slope of the distant mountains.

From: David Coleman

Lake Tahoe Ski Getaway Exterior

This Lake Tahoe-area home is located directly on the skyway, which gives it ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar Ski Resort in a neighborhood of only 25 home sites. The gated community offers exclusivity and privacy, while the home's orientation on its lot provides 180 degree views.

From: Aspen Leaf Interiors

Ski Getaway Front Facade

The front entrance to this Lake Tahoe-area home comes complete with a heated driveway. Thanks to its orientation on its lot, the rustic-contemporary home is afforded 180-degree mountain views.

From: Aspen Leaf Interiors

Cabin Exterior and Driveway

Called the Ski Lodge in its original 1964 architectural drawings, this mountain home got new life with a careful renovation that preserved its rustic character.

From: Land To Living

Cabin Rear Exterior and Backyard

The Lake Tahoe home is nestled into an evergreen forest. A lawn out back provides a sense of openness. Multiple balconies and patios let everyone take advantage of the gorgeous natural setting.

From: Land To Living

Cabin Deck With Yellow Bench

A huge deck extends off the living area, letting occupants dine and hang out amidst the treetops.

From: Land To Living

Contemporary Craftsman-Style Mountain Home Entrance

A lofty cathedral ceiling makes for a grand entrance in the foyer and allows transom windows to let in ample natural light. The stacked stone facade, lantern sconces and contemporary wooden door give this exterior a rustic, Craftsman look.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Large Windows Let the Outdoors in for Contemporary Home

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views for this contemporary home while also bringing the outdoors in.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Evening View of Contemporary Home and Garage With Interior Lights On

Even the garage has interior lights to awe visitors to this contemporary home. The home and garage lit up at dusk fit in beautifully with their natural surroundings.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Natural Landscaping Complements Contemporary Home

Natural landscaping, including boulders and tall pine trees, complements and surrounds this striking contemporary home.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Contemporary Home With Breezeway Off Walkway Steps

A breezeway in this contemporary home adds a natural landscaping element next to slate walkway steps.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Rustic-Modern Log Cabin in Jackson Hole

At night, ample windows and carefully planned exterior lighting turn this mountain cabin into a warm, welcoming beacon for its owners and guests. The project was a cabin retreat for the owners and their siblings and extended families in Jackson Hole. The owners wanted a log cabin but also wanted modern conveniences. The resulting design features a frame construction with log accents and siding, and the house is packed with space but has a cozy cabin feel.

From: Design Associates Architects

Home Built Into Hillside

Glass doors open the main living area up to a large south-facing porch and on the other side, to the gracious entryway. Purple flowers make a blanket all around.

From: Feldman Architecture

Eco Friendly House Exterior and Tree

This home's natural ventilation and shading, as well as photovoltaic panels, make it eco-friendly and as complementary practically as it is visually to the land around it.

From: Feldman Architecture

Home With Sweeping Roofline

The roof of the home swoops up and out from the exterior with walls of glass intimately connecting the rooms to the beautiful surroundings. Plants peek up from in between the steps, another fun way to tie the home to nature.

From: Feldman Architecture

Contemporary Ranch House at Night

Lit up at night and with its swooping cantilevered roof, this gorgeous ranch home seems to sail above the grasses.

From: Feldman Architecture

White Modern Exterior From Below

From any angle, the house is stunning, its three floors and innovative architecture a striking complement to its majestic location.

From: Profusion Realty

White Modern Three-Story House Exterior

In winter especially, the house blends harmoniously with its surroundings, the white meshing with the snowy landscape.

From: Profusion Realty

Modern Mountain Mansion

Twilight is aglow at this Avon, CO mansion with extraordinary curb appeal and modern fixtures.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Stone Estate With Sweeping Mountain Views

No expense was spared in the details of this home in Avon, CO. The backyard features an expansive covered porch, hot tub and fire pit.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Exterior View of Home Made From Wood, Stone and Glass

This home exterior looks great in the evening light thanks to an expansive wall of windows that also affords residents a great view. The exterior includes wood siding, stone and glass to complement the look of the surrounding mountain landscape.

From: Forum Phi Architecture

Modern Ranch Home and Sky

This ranch home is a remarkable mix of modern and rustic architecture. Huge windows bring in sweeping vistas of sky and land and the house blends harmoniously with its amazing surroundings.

From: Jennifer Visosky

Luxury Ski Lodge in Avon, Colorado

This luxury mountain lodge in Avon, Colorado, enjoys ski-in, ski-out access, as well as stunning views. Inside, the grand great room features massive trusses that frame the Gore Range.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Luxury Log Cabin with Swimming Pool

A petite, sinuous swimming pool occupies one level of this multi-terraced outdoor patio in Avon, Colorado. The home, which has a luxury log cabin feel, features loads of windows that look out over the picturesque backyard and mountainside. A stone water feature feeds into the pool, while cozy armchairs offer comfortable seating for guests.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Vail Valley Mountain Retreat in Colorado

The Vail Valley Mountain retreat features rustic spaces where you can relax while also enjoying the mountain view.

From: Andrea Schumacher

Ranch Exterior and Outdoor Spaces at Night

At night, exterior and landscape lighting give a welcoming glow to this ranch home's expansive, multi-tiered outdoor spaces. The mountains and trees are beautifully silhouetted in the background.

From: Andrea Schumacher

Modern Home Boasts Cantilevered Roof

This timelessly modern home features a cantilevered roof and a cantilevered wooden box off the front facade, which is actually the master bathroom.

From: Triptych Architecture

Cantilevered Modern Cabin With Patio

The cantilevered second level of this modern cabin creates a roof over the patio making it easy to enjoy even in less-than-perfect weather. Sliding glass doors and a small balcony open the top story up to the forest views. Architecture by Jasmit Rangr.

From: Tamara Eaton

Redwood-Framed House With Soaring Windows

While redwood reigns inside, teak is the wood of choice for the deck. From there, floating stairs lead to a tiered water feature. The home is surrounded by a seven-acre, award-winning garden designed by Paul Leffingwell.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Rustic Exterior and Garage at Night

Not one, not two but a three-car garage ensures plenty of room for large house parties. Situated on 171 acres, the estate is a true retreat from everyday life.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Rustic Mountain Estate in Whistler, British Columbia

This mountain estate in Whistler, British Columbia is located on an elevated sun-drenched site with views that span an entire mountain range. The main residence with its beautiful curved timberwork and elegant low profile is set above grounds spanning five and a half acres and features plenty of outdoor living space, including heated infinity pool, hot tub and built-in gas BBQ.

From: The Whistler Real Estate Co.

Sophisticated Stone and Wood Exterior

After an afternoon on the slopes, the owners can head inside the house, which boasts eleven bedrooms, ten baths, large fireplaces and other luxury amenities. A stone and wood exterior ensures that the home complements the setting as well.

From: The Whistler Real Estate Co.

Panoramic Views of the Mountains

Snow-covered trees transform the lot into a winter wonderland. On clear days, the owners can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and even see Whistler Blackcomb in the distance.

From: The Whistler Real Estate Co.

Infinity-Edge Pool at Night

An infinity-edge pool is one of the many features that makes this retreat so alluring. Once the sun goes down, lanterns illuminate the water's edge and evoke a peaceful atmosphere.

From: The Whistler Real Estate Co.

Rustic Retreat Overlooks Series of Waterfalls

Coming up over the hill treats visitors to an unrivaled view of the house, which straddles Knob Creek and a natural swimming hole. The 6,000-square-foot space overlooks a series of waterfalls, too.

From: Silver Creek Real Estate Group

Fire Pit and Chairs Sit Alongside River

What cabin would be complete without a fire pit for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows? Two red chairs provide comfortable seating around the feature.

From: Silver Creek Real Estate Group

Cabin Exterior in Forest

The acres of woodsy waterfront land that make up the Washington estate include streams, waterfalls, trails and a sandy beach. The cabin and its guest house feel like a treehouse in the middle of it all.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Midcentury Modern Home Exterior With Limestone Chimney

Limestone walls combine with soaring panels of glass and steel to create this stunning Boulder, Colorado residence.

From: WK Real Estate

Backyard and Sky in Windows

Walls made of nearly solid glass have the neat effect of reflecting the sky on a sunny day, adding to the beauty of the backyard.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Balcony With River and Mountain View

Step out onto the wraparound balcony belonging to the home's upper floor and take in endless vistas of mountains, river and golf course's rich green.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Cabin Exterior in Winter

A sunset-streaked sky and snow banks highlight the home's beauty in the midst of winter.

From: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Spacious Montana Ranch Home Offers Great View of Sunset

This large home sits on a spacious 160-acre Montana ranch and offers great views of bison and elk migrations as well as spectacular sunsets.

From: PureWest Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Craftsman Lodge with Amazing Mountain Views

Prominently nestled at the base of majestic Mt Si, this Craftsman styled lodge is picture-perfect. Constructed of wood and stone, the house blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a private retreat from nearby North Bend, WA and providing homeowners with breathtaking views.

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Covered Bridge and Water Garden With Large Rocks

This home's exterior features a landscaped water garden area with large rocks as well as a covered bridge walkway.

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Mountain Home Boasts Board and Batten Exterior

This mountain home located in the North Carolina Brights Creek Community, has a metal roof and beige board and batten exterior. Exterior elements, such as, the wooden porch beams and stone front path are a nod to the natural surroundings.

From: Beverly-Hanks & Associates and Luxury Portfolio International®

Lawn, Driveway and Home Exterior

The home is a protected respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by acres of land outside Costa Rica's Cartago.

From: LX Costa Rica and Luxury Portfolio International®

Pond and Deck

A pond backs up to the house, giving waterfront views to hangs on the deck.

From: LX Costa Rica and Luxury Portfolio International®

Modern Mountain Escape With Extraordinary Curb Appeal

This magnificent mansion in Park City, UT sits on an immense acre with extraordinary views of the mountains and features the newest designer-selected finishes.

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Modern Cedar and Concrete Hillside Home With Cascading Roof Sections

The house emerges from the land, paralleling the slope of the butte with progressively stepping, flat, grassy rooflines. While the site inspired the residence’s composition and massing, the exposed concrete, cedar and steel materials speak to its “built” nature—original and honest, rather than imitative of the natural world. A butterfly roof caps the topmost level providing visual interest to the “cascading box” design while referencing the uplift of nearby mountain ranges.

From: Ward + Blake Architects

Modern Mountain Hillside Home With Warm Cedar Exterior and Flat Grassy Roof Sections

The house emerges from the hillside land with progressively stepping, flat, grassy rooflines. The exposed concrete, cedar and steel materials speak to its “built” nature—original and honest, rather than imitative of the natural surroundings. A butterfly roof capping the topmost level provides visual interest to the “cascading box” design while referencing the uplift of nearby mountain ranges.

From: Ward + Blake Architects

Modern Home in the Mountains

A polished concrete driveway sets the tone for this mountain home, striking a beautiful balance between modern design and raw natural materials. As guests follow the limestone walkway to the front of the house, they'll spy fresh greenery, stone retaining walls and a chic wood exterior.

From: Landform Design Group

Exterior Facade of a Modern Mountain Home

This beautiful modern home in the hills is a nature lover's dream come true! For it, the architect used two sizes of Western red cedar screening to vent the facade and create a horizontal pattern. Trees and plants become one with the building, and the large windows welcome the outdoors in to create an even more serene environment.

From: Todd Davis

Mountain-Modern Home Echoes Beauty of Its Surroundings

With its pitched rooftops and curved overhangs, this Montana home beautifully echoes the profile of the mountains. Raw materials like wood and stone decorate the exterior and speak to this rustic setting as well.

From: Malmquist Construction

Mountain-Modern Home Boasts Generous Floor Plan

This home was designed by Rich Graves of Altius Design and Barb Cooke of Cooke Interiors Studios, and it features a generous floor plan with 3 levels. Inside, guests will find an open kitchen, dining space, living room, wine cellar, game room and wet bar. In other words? There's no lack of space to bring people together!

From: Malmquist Construction

Elevated Cabin Boasts Modern Design

Two concrete walls cradle a fir plywood box and allow it to cantilever over the hillside, reducing effective site disturbance. Elevating the cabin allowed for unobstructed views downslope and to the mountains beyond, transforming a modest living space from an ordinary room to a viewing platform that extends from inside to out.

From: Balance Associates Architects

Tiny Cabin Is Nestled in the Wilderness

This small cabin is tucked into a hillside in Methow Valley, Wash. Rolling hills and endless pines surround the home, creating a true wilderness retreat.

From: Balance Associates Architects

Concrete Base Supports Modern Cabin

In essence, this cost-effective cabin is a cantilevered plywood box on a concrete base. The unfinished space in the concrete base cleverly serves as a spot for seasonal storage.

From: Balance Associates Architects

Modern Rustic Retreat

A steeply-pitched roofline, cedar siding and ample stonework give the home classic rustic charm, while large windows, exposed structural beams and minimalist landscaping make it thoroughly modern.

Modern Alaskan Home

A prime example of modern mountain architecture, this home combines clean, angled lines and sleek light wood to create a modern cabin. Natural wood paneling provides visual emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines while the angled single pitch roof exudes mod design.

From: Nicholas Moriarty

Modern Covered Patio

Although decidedly prairie style, this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home unites harmoniously with nature with its wood tones and rustic appeal while strong lines give a modern look.

Modern Mountain Home

A single pitch roof combines with two toned wood siding and a series of concrete balconies for taking in sweeping mountain views. Stone Henge-inspired landscaping and circular flagstone patio complete this modern mountain home.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Kelly and Stone Architects

Photo By: Benjamin Benschneider

Photo By: Vance Fox

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Aaron Kraft, Krafty Photos

Photo By: Joe Fletcher Photography

Photo By: Profusion Realty Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Steve Freihon

Photo By: Grace Home Design

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Durston Saylor

Photo By: Galina Photography

Photo By: Paul Warchol

Photo By: Alain Pinel Realtors, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: The Whistler Real Estate Co., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Silver Creek Real Estate Group, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: WK Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: PureWest Real Estate, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; Peak Photography – Big Sky, MT

Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Beverly-Hanks & Associates, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: LX Costa Rica, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Windermere Real Estate - Utah, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Douglas Kahn

Photo By: Grey Giraffe Photography

Photo By: Todd Davis

Photo By: Gibeon Photography, Designed by Rich Graves at Altius Design and Barb Cooke with Cooke Interiors Studios

Photo By: Steve Keating

Behind the Build: DIY Network Blog Cabin 2015

Modern Mountain Architecture

Modern Mountain Home on Lake Tahoe

Modern Mountain Cabin with Stone Exterior

Trees Surround Cabin's South Terrace

Sleek and Sustainable Cabin in the Cascade Mountains

Lake Tahoe Ski Getaway Exterior

Ski Getaway Front Facade

Cabin Exterior and Driveway

Cabin Rear Exterior and Backyard

Cabin Deck With Yellow Bench

Contemporary Craftsman-Style Mountain Home Entrance

Large Windows Let the Outdoors in for Contemporary Home

Evening View of Contemporary Home and Garage With Interior Lights On

Natural Landscaping Complements Contemporary Home

Contemporary Home With Breezeway Off Walkway Steps

Rustic-Modern Log Cabin in Jackson Hole

Home Built Into Hillside

Eco Friendly House Exterior and Tree

Home With Sweeping Roofline

Contemporary Ranch House at Night

White Modern Exterior From Below

White Modern Three-Story House Exterior

Modern Mountain Mansion

Stone Estate With Sweeping Mountain Views

Exterior View of Home Made From Wood, Stone and Glass

Modern Ranch Home and Sky

Luxury Ski Lodge in Avon, Colorado

Luxury Log Cabin with Swimming Pool

Vail Valley Mountain Retreat in Colorado

Ranch Exterior and Outdoor Spaces at Night

Modern Home Boasts Cantilevered Roof

Cantilevered Modern Cabin With Patio

Redwood-Framed House With Soaring Windows

Rustic Exterior and Garage at Night

Rustic Mountain Estate in Whistler, British Columbia

Sophisticated Stone and Wood Exterior

Panoramic Views of the Mountains

Infinity-Edge Pool at Night

Rustic Retreat Overlooks Series of Waterfalls

Fire Pit and Chairs Sit Alongside River

Cabin Exterior in Forest

Midcentury Modern Home Exterior With Limestone Chimney

Backyard and Sky in Windows

Balcony With River and Mountain View

Cabin Exterior in Winter

Spacious Montana Ranch Home Offers Great View of Sunset

Craftsman Lodge with Amazing Mountain Views

Covered Bridge and Water Garden With Large Rocks

Mountain Home Boasts Board and Batten Exterior

Lawn, Driveway and Home Exterior

Pond and Deck

Modern Mountain Escape With Extraordinary Curb Appeal

Modern Cedar and Concrete Hillside Home With Cascading Roof Sections

Modern Mountain Hillside Home With Warm Cedar Exterior and Flat Grassy Roof Sections

Modern Home in the Mountains

Exterior Facade of a Modern Mountain Home

Mountain-Modern Home Echoes Beauty of Its Surroundings

Mountain-Modern Home Boasts Generous Floor Plan

Elevated Cabin Boasts Modern Design

Tiny Cabin Is Nestled in the Wilderness

Concrete Base Supports Modern Cabin

Modern Rustic Retreat

Modern Alaskan Home

Modern Covered Patio

Modern Mountain Home

Shop This Look

More from:

Behind the Build: DIY Network Blog Cabin 2015

How to Build Regulation Cornhole Boards

50 DIY Home Improvement Projects Under $50 50 Photos

How to Build a Banquette Seat With Built-in Storage

How to Build a Desk

How to Build a Concrete Countertop

Building a Horizontal Plank Fence

Related Pages