Architectural Trends in Truckee-Tahoe Mountain Home Design

Throughout this past year, our team at Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate in Truckee, CA, has certainly seen a surge of families moving to the region. And with good reason. As it is now acceptable to virtually work and learn from home, it makes more sense than ever before to escape the fast pace of city life and settle into the High Sierra.

With this burgeoning craze to live, work, and play year-round in Truckee-Tahoe, there are new trends emerging when it comes to home design. Within our story below you can learn all about the latest home design features as told to us by James P. Borelli, founder and president of Borelli Architecture.

If you have ever thought about building a home, or purchasing or remodeling a home in the High Sierra, Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate welcomes the opportunity to show you the awaiting opportunity to live the mountain lifestyle.

Architectural Trends in Truckee-Tahoe Mountain Home Design

(Northstar Ski In / Ski Out Home Photo Courtesy of Borelli Architecture)

This past week we interviewed James “Jim” P. Borelli of Borelli Architecture who has designed many of the region’s finer resort and golf-course community homes in Martis Camp, Northstar, and magnificent lakefront properties stretching from the West Shore to the East throughout Incline Village.

Our focal point of interest was to learn how home design may have changed over the challenging year of 2020. Throughout the interview, Jim shared a list of the key features that have quickly become standard ‘must haves’ as the concept of “cocooning” i.e. families living and working in the same space – is now the norm.

He showcased one of his most recent projects which is a ski-in / ski-out home in Northstar California.

Slope-side Living Environment

“We started with an undeveloped lot and spent considerable time talking about how our client will use the home throughout the years. As they are outdoor enthusiasts, we looked at the property from the slope-side and together envisioned what a day would look like from sun-up to sun-down, throughout each season.

“With the slopes of Northstar literally in their backyard there were many opportunities to wrap Mother Nature in and around the home. Within this quest we included some of the more popular features today.”

Floor to Ceiling Windows

There are many reasons why design trends are suggesting one include not only large windows, yet those that have the full potential for ‘bringing the outside, in’ from top to bottom.

“With the use of these expansive window designs, they offer a ‘seamless barrier’ between the interior and exterior, allow more opportunity to enjoy the views year-round, and can make any room look much larger (and sunnier) throughout the seasons.”

Outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces  

“No matter what the weather, today’s clients are desiring every opportunity to entertain within the great outdoors.”

Today’s architectural design trends for patios include one, and in many cases even two fireplaces to cozy up to no matter what Mother Nature has in mind. It is not uncommon to also include an outdoor kitchen with ‘stone pizza ovens,’ oversized gas grills, with a mini sink and bar area for entertaining.

Mudroom X 2

“Among the list of ‘must-haves’ was not one, but two, large mudrooms that would capture the elements that come with snowy days and springtime melt-off.”

From the slope-side, one can literally click into and out of one’s skis from the back of the home. The ‘convenience factors’ to complement this lovely home feature are boot warmers, ski lockers, a stackable washer and dryer, and ‘cubbies’ for all the clothing accessories.

Borelli also included a second Mudroom that adjoins the garage to the home. In addition to extensive storage areas, he added a floor drain and dog wash area as well.

Some of the homes he has designed in Martis Camp and Clear Creek Tahoe include a separate golf cart garage that is complete with an electric charging station and club storage areas.

Kid Zone & Zoom Room

“With families at home 24/7, the interest to have a room, or even and entire floor, designed to keep the kids entertained is hotter than ever. Trends are seeing a dramatic increase in the desire to include an extensive ‘Kid Zone’ incorporated into mountain home designs. Within this concept are separate areas for playtime and school time.

A very new trend in mountain home design is to include a “Zoom Room” for a virtual work and learning environment.

Enhanced ‘flexibility’ of these often-over-sized rooms includes the placement of a Murphy Bed or two to accommodate guest overflow – which is very common in these slope-side escapes!

The Great Room  

“As families spend more time together, there is an ever-increasing desire for home designs to include lots of wide-open-space to enjoy each other’s company.”

The Great Room concept continues to be the most popular request. The ideal floor plan for this concept includes the Kitchen, Living Room, quaint Seating Area and Dining Room – all combined into one open and welcoming environment.

Live the Life That You Deserve

With new home lots and land on the market within the prestigious Old Greenwood golf community and sister property and esteemed golf course at Gray’s Crossing, and spring inventory on its way, our team at Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate is here to help you find the lifestyle that you have earned and deserve. Feel free to contact us at any time for a personal tour of the region’s latest real estate offerings.