Skylab Architecture has reimagined traditional ski chalets with modern design principles in Winter Park, Colorado. Completed in 2023, the A-Frame Club comprises 31 compact cabins arranged in a hexagonal pattern across a three-acre sloped site, resembling a snowflake. Drawing inspiration from 1970s American ski culture and iconic A-frame cabins, Skylab integrates the cabins seamlessly with the natural landscape. Elevated cabins and boardwalks allow guests to connect with the mountain environment while preserving the trees and watershed.
The 475-square-foot (44-square-meter) panelized cabins, prefabricated by Plant Prefab in Los Angeles, feature steep black metal roofs, warm cedar boards, and tall triangular windows for natural light and mountain views. Each cabin includes a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and lofted bedroom. The interiors are adorned with warm cedar panels, custom millwork, Malm fireplaces, midcentury-inspired furnishings, and energy-efficient fixtures.
The A-Frame Club emphasizes adaptability, allowing guests to control their space with automated controls for heating, cooling, and lighting. Prefabrication minimizes material waste and enables efficient cabin placement around mature evergreen trees. A historic saloon building on-site has been repurposed as a gathering venue with a restaurant, bar, and outdoor deck. The project fosters a sense of community with various zones for socializing and working, blending classic and novel elements in a mid-century vibe.
