The Adirondack style grew from the architecture of the Great Camps of the late 19th century. William West Durant is most often credited with starting this architectural movement, blending the elegant intricacies of European styles with the simple, comforting rustic styles of Adirondack cabins. Durant made an art of cabin building and this style is still clearly prevalent today. This is made evident through the continued variety of books, shows, and events focused on the Adirondack style. The Adirondack Museum, for instance, will be hosting a Rustic Furniture Fair in September to showcase and sell furniture of renowned artisans. Another example can be found in the works of Ralph Kylloe. Ralph made a living and a legacy around the world through his work with the Adirondack style, demonstrating the style's continued relevance both in and beyond the Adirondacks.
Although Ralph has done work around the world, the majority of his business is centered around the Adirondacks. He has written 20 books and hosted a TV show on the topic rustic architecture. Below you can see the promo (which is quite humorous at times) of the show. In an interview, his wife said “Ralph always says that it is furniture or art that is manipulated as little as possible, using natural shapes and native materials—roots, trees and burls—leaving them relatively intact, doing what you need to do to make them functional, but as little as possible” (Adirondack Life). This suggests a simplicity in the style, but the video shows just how intricate it has become. Part way through the video, for example, Ralph gives us a look into the process of building a chandelier made of antlers. In another section, he discusses wood sculptures, which are seen being made with a chainsaw. As a whole, the promo reveals how specialized certain facets of the Adirondack style have become.
The Adirondack style continues to appeal to a variety of people. A designer or builder might be drawn to it for the creativity involved. For example, creating a chandelier made of antlers certainly involves some creativity. For someone using the built houses or furniture, the style creates a comforting atmosphere. This works well for the many travelling to the Adirondacks to relax in nature. While often built for luxury, the buildings blend, as much as possible, with the environment and emanate nature's presence. As the thousands of new homes are being built in the Adirondacks, though, its interesting to consider whether the style's dominating presence will at all give way to more modern architectural movements. Although human presence in the Adirondacks is constantly increasing, I feel that the rising consciousness of the human-nature relationship in today's world gives reason for hope. The mentality of preserving nature will result in buildings that attempt to interfere with the wilderness as little possible. As it so happens, the Adirondacks style fits this description quite well.
A big thank you to Jack Pierce for editing help.
Works Cited
Coffey, Michael. "Adirondack Life Blog Archive House of Style » Adirondack Life." Adirondack Life Blog Archive House of Style » Adirondack Life. N.p., 06 Nov. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
I have always been a fan of rustic design. Although modern architecture can be beautiful and interesting, there is something about the classic look of a log cabin and a wood-based interior that I find to be peaceful and inviting. As you mention, although the design is based on simplicity, especially in the materials used, the design process can be fairly complex. The architect will want to use as many natural materials as possible in order to further provide a "rustic" look. In the great video you posted on the blog, the narrator explains how materials such as bark can be used as wallpaper, and antlers for chandeliers. I was, however, somewhat confused when the narrator explained that certain woods and antlers were imported from Europe. Does importing materials lessen how rustic a design is, or can something still be truly rustic even without local materials?
Although I don't think the source of the materials matters in classifying something as 'rustic', I definitely understand why it seems like it might. The Adirondack style focuses in large on blending in with the surroundings, creating a natural feel. Knowing that something in my home is foreign, I think, would definitely detract from this. This being said, many home owners probably don't realize this or simply don't care enough.
I have always been a fan of rustic design. Although modern architecture can be beautiful and interesting, there is something about the classic look of a log cabin and a wood-based interior that I find to be peaceful and inviting. As you mention, although the design is based on simplicity, especially in the materials used, the design process can be fairly complex. The architect will want to use as many natural materials as possible in order to further provide a "rustic" look. In the great video you posted on the blog, the narrator explains how materials such as bark can be used as wallpaper, and antlers for chandeliers. I was, however, somewhat confused when the narrator explained that certain woods and antlers were imported from Europe. Does importing materials lessen how rustic a design is, or can something still be truly rustic even without local materials?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't think the source of the materials matters in classifying something as 'rustic', I definitely understand why it seems like it might. The Adirondack style focuses in large on blending in with the surroundings, creating a natural feel. Knowing that something in my home is foreign, I think, would definitely detract from this. This being said, many home owners probably don't realize this or simply don't care enough.
ReplyDelete