Since I was a boy, I have always been fascinated by A-Frame cabins. Growing up in Oregon, we spent a lot of time exploring the towering old-growth forests around the base of Mt. Hood. The architecture of the A-Frame fits this landscape perfectly, rising among the 100-foot-tall spruce trees along the Zig-Zag River. Something about their sharp silhouette against the forest canopy lit my imagination. Ever since, my dream has been to build an A-Frame cabin nestled near a creek in the high Alpine forests of Colorado.
A-Frames are easy to spot. Their steep, triangle-shaped roofs grow from the ground like a tall spike. They were introduced by Austrian-born architect Rudolph Schindler, who in 1934 built the first A-Frame in Lake Arrowhead, California. The triangular structure lends itself naturally to remote locations, shedding snow easily and standing strong against mountain weather. Today, A-Frames can be found all over the US, especially near mountains and lakes, where their form feels most at home.
Originally designed as second homes, A-Frames have become extremely popular for short-term rentals.
Their appeal lies in the balance between vintage nostalgia and cozy mountain charm. Most A-Frames aren’t big, typically offering 1-2 bedrooms and a single bath. The steep roof pitch creates a volume of interior space not found in traditional log cabins, often with lofted sleeping.
A-frames are well-suited for a dramatic wall of glass, pulling the outdoors inside and framing views of trees, snow, or starlit skies. The true magic of the A-Frame lies in its cozy, comforting interior— crackling wood-burning fireplaces, warm wall paneling, and hardwood floors that invite you to slow down.
A weekend spent in an A-Frame is ideal for outdoor exploration, quiet rest, and reconnecting with loved ones over a board game and a well-made cocktail. A-frames are the perfect weekend escape — you can experience the magic of the A-Frame just a short drive from Arvada in Winter Park, Colorado.
My dream is to build an A-Frame nestled in the high Alpine forests of Colorado