The Ski Pad

New Build, Blue Mountain Custom Chalet

Completed Fall 2025
Landscaping completion Summer 2026

This custom chalet in The Blue Mountains balances architectural ambition with precise execution. Inspired bytraditional Austrian alpine forms and refined through a modern lens, we delivered a highly detailed contemporary chalet that realizes both the homeowners’ vision and the designer’s intent.  

At the outset, the homeowners envisioned a gathering place inspired by the sophistication of the Mad Men era. At the same time, they wanted the performance and comfort of a modern mountain home. Our role was to translate that vision into a buildable, durable structure capable of withstanding a demanding four-season climate while staying connected to the surrounding landscape. (continued below gallery

Modern Blue Mountain chalet with clean lines, board formed concrete walls, black metal siding, and wood detailing
Modern Blue Mountain chalet with board formed concrete walls, black metal siding and wood detailing
Front elevation of a modern alpine chalet in the Blue Mountains with board formed concrete walls, black metal siding and clean architectural lines
Front elevation of a Nordic-inspired Blue Mountain custom built chalet with expansive windows, board formed concrete and black metal siding
Front elevation of a Nordic-inspired Blue Mountain custom built chalet with expansive windows, board formed concrete and black metal siding
Nordic-inspired Blue Mountain chalet with board formed concrete walls, black metal siding and wood detailing
Front elevation of a contemporary Blue Mountain chalet with clean lines, board formed concrete walls, black metal siding, and wood detailing
Rear elevation of a nordic-inspired chalet with modern black siding, board formed concrete walls, screened sitting area and attached sauna
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet rear elevation, with screened outdoor seating area, and attached sauna
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet rear elevation featuring board-formed concrete walls, black metal siding and attached sauna
Modern alpine chalet exterior detail showing board formed concrete walls, sleek black metal siding and wood accents
Modern Nordic-inspired glass-fronted sauna detail with board-formed concrete wall, black siding and rich wood accents
Nordic-inspired sauna with black metal siding and cedar accents
The view from a Nordic-inspired sauna at a modern Blue Mountain alpine chalet
Modern Blue Mountain chalet with vaulted ceiling, oversized patio doors, and board-formed concrete fireplace with reclaimed timber mantle
Board formed concrete fireplace with reclaimed timber mantle in a modern Blue Mountain chalet build
Ceiling up-lighting detail on a contemporary Blue mountain chalet
Detail of a board formed concrete fireplace with reclaimed timber mantle in a modern Blue Mountain chalet
Detail of a board formed concrete fireplace with reclaimed timber mantle in a modern Blue Mountain chalet
Fireplace hearth tile detail in a contemporary Blue Mountain ski chalet
Integrated up-lighting detail in a modern ski chalet with vaulted wood ceiling, industrial metal beam accents
Contemporary alpine-inspired ski chalet with vaulted wood ceiling, steel beam accents, and modern, black frame windows and patio doors
Modern alpine-inspired ski chalet with vaulted wood ceiling, black framed floor-to-ceiling windows, and contemporary lines.
Modern alpine-inspired ski chalet with vaulted wood ceiling, black framed floor-to-ceiling windows, and contemporary lines.
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet kitchen with slotted wood wall divider, industrial metal accents, and extensive forest views
Modern Blue Mountain chalet kitchen detail with custom millwork, integrated wine fridge and bar sink with contemporary finishes
Modern ski chalet pantry detail with vertical shiplap walls, custom cabinetry and glass paneled doors
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet bedroom detail with custom floor to ceiling cabinets, wide-plank wood flooring, and angular black-framed windows
Modern chalet bathroom detail with curbless shower, textured subway tile and contemporary black finishes
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet office detail with textured wallpaper, angled black-framed windows and modern furnishings
Modern chalet staircase detail with slotted wood wall, black metal railing and upholstered open-wood treads
Modern ski chalet mudroom detail with heated, large-format floor tiles, board-formed concrete wall and wood details
Contemporary Blue Mountain chalet with board formed concrete, black metal siding, screened outdoor seating area, and attached sauna
Architectural sight lines on a modern alpine chalet built by a COllingwood custom home builder
Screened porch of an alpine chalet featuring board formed concrete walls, cedar ceiling and nordic-inspired furniture
Nordic-inspired, covered outdoor seating area board formed concrete walls, retractable screens and a Scandinavia Stuv fireplace
Architectural sketch of a modern, Scandi-style family chalet designed by ERA Architects, currently being built by Blake Farrow Project Management
Architectural sketch of a modern, Scandi-style family chalet designed by ERA Architects, currently being built by Blake Farrow Project Management
Rendering of a modern family chalet currently being built by Blake Farrow Project Management. Architect ERA

The home follows an upside-down house concept, with the primary living spaces in the treetops1. Executing this layout required careful coordination of structure, mechanical systems, and glazing to ensure comfort, privacy, and long-term performance. The ground level houses bedroom suites, laundry, and mudroom—spaces designed and constructed to handle winter use with durability and efficiency.

Above, the great room, kitchen, dining area, and games room form the social core of the home, built to support both daily living and large gatherings.  A dramatic vaulted ceiling defines the upper level and serves as a key structural element. It spans between front and rear terraces providing expansive views. Meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling glazing on the east and west demanded precise detailing to balance daylight, energy performance, and weather resistance.  

Material selection and execution were critical to the success of the project. The lower level is wrapped in board-formed concrete, requiring careful formwork and sequencing to achieve a consistent wood-grain texture while delivering strength and thermal mass. Above, a black metal-clad volume demanded tight tolerances and clean detailing to maintain the 1sharp architectural lines. Inside, large-format concrete tile and concrete walls transition to warm wood flooring and custom millwork. A vertical wood-slat screen and exposed steel beam express both structure and craftsmanship. Notably, the concrete fireplace proportions match those of the original family chalet once on the site, grounding the new build in memory and continuity. 

Later additions, including a screened porch and sauna, were seamlessly integrated. These spaces required thoughtful coordination to maintain design continuity while enhancing the home’s functionality. 

The completed chalet reflects a shared commitment between builder, designers, and homeowner to quality, restraint, and longevity. Built with disciplined detailing and honest materials, this Blue Mountain home delivers strength, comfort, and performance—while preserving the architectural integrity that defines it. 

Key Project Partners

Build: Blake Farrow Project Management
Architect: ERA
Structural Engineer: Jaime Barill, Barill Engineering Ltd.
Interior Design: ERA and F.A.D (Farrow Arcaro Design)
Renderings: ERA

Photographed by: Heather Goldsworthy

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