INTRO: Often set up against the backdrops of vast skies and cascading hillsides, the western ranch home has grouped both country charm and rustic beauty. Evolving over time from the simple massing of a log cabin, into today’s sprawling western ranch; the large land holdings and seclusion make it easy to see why these retreats are favored by some seeking a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of life.
HISTORY: How did the log cabin turn into the face of the American frontier? During the 1700s and 1800s, as the New World broadened into what we now call the United States of America, the log cabin emerged as a prominent architectural choice among pioneers and settlers, marking a significant point in the history of these structures. Initially, log cabins were basic, quickly built shelters that served as temporary accommodations. They were perceived as modest dwellings, reflecting the immense challenges encountered on the North American Frontier. A pivotal moment that shaped public perception of log cabins occurred during the 1840 presidential election. Martin Van Buren, who ran against William Harrison, attempted to undermine Harrison by mocking his upbringing in a log cabin. Rather than reject his humble origins, Harrison cleverly embraced them, resonating with the common folk who also called log cabins home. This strategy led to a significant landslide victory for Harrison and established the log cabin as a symbol of American values such as self-reliance, determination, independence, and social advancement. The western ranch style home transitioned from being viewed negatively to representing an integral aspect of the authentic American spirit, characterized by perseverance and hard work.
OUR TAKE: In today’s design world, we often find this Western ranch style associated with family legacy. These large properties are being handed down and expanded over time. The buildings take on the representation of the lifestyle itself; focused on family, entertainment, and growth. When working with our clients we hone in on the spaces that elevate this type of living. Large communal spaces that can flex over the day, season, and years as the family evolves. We blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Simple forms combining key raw materials like wood, steel, and stone while leveraging today’s advanced capabilities with craftsmanship. We go to school on the history of these structures to have an understanding as to why the roof pitch is the way it is, how false front buildings became influenced by European medieval and Spanish missions, and the difference between a ‘mountain home’ and a ‘Western ranch’ styled home. The concept of a low slung metal roofed massing that features a singular taller massing rising from within mimicking the adjacent landscape of low vast land that abruptly climbs up the hillside into the clouds. Saddle up.
