Area Architecture

Architectural styles in McCall, Tamarack Resort and surrounding areas typically reflect traditional western mountain architecture with the pronounced use of dimensional timber and timber accents, large roof forms broken up by small dormers and shed roofs and often a single large gable with an expanse of windows to capture views from a great room or gathering area. Other common characteristics found in traditional mountain architecture are square or tall windows with divided lights, steeper roof pitches with shallow pitches on accent roofs, and covered large decks and entry porches often with exposed timber beams, posts and trusses.

Exterior materials found on homes in this area typically consist of wood siding and trim stained or painted in earthtone colors, granite rock accents and cladding (with rock indigenous to the immediate area) and architectural series asphalt shingles (which provide fire protection). Landscapes are often left natural with some accent planters providing a space for homeowners to enhance their property with native or approved species of plants, shrubs and trees and large boulders are often used to retain earth where necessary.

Mountain contemporary architecture is another architectural style found scattered throughout the area. The architectural style consists of simplified structural forms and often features much larger expanses of glass, single plane roofs or minimal amounts of roof planes, shallower roof pitches and windows with no lights divided. Materials commonly used are metal instead of wood from beams to guard railing to corrugated metal cladding on walls as well as the use of materials that exhibit lineal shapes and minimal profiles.

And of course simple mountain cabins with single ridge roof systems, small windows and basic floor plans are common, especially amongst second home owners with a desire to keep construction costs and maintenance minimal.

Architectural styles of many types can be found throughout the area but many subdivisions, including the city of McCall and Tamarack Resort, require stringent guidelines to be followed – it is best to work with an experienced local architect or designer to make the process of designing a home go smoothly in a timely manner and meet all requirements set forth by the various agencies involved in the approval process from design compliance to building permits.

A good local architect or designer will not only strive to achieve harmony between a structure and its environment while maintaining the ideals and goals of their customer and local agencies, but they will also take great consideration of this area’s harsh winters, temperature extremes and other drastic changes in our climate.