When we visit Lake George, my family often spends time driving up and down the sides of the Lake just to look at all of the houses. It is interesting to see just how much they vary, between the areas that have been completely cleared to show off a gigantic, white vacation home, to an equally large but more obscure brown house tucked away in the trees. Adirondack architecture certainly has some variety to it but most houses are also tied together by a common theme: that of rustic elegance. The camps that define Adirondack architecture, those same camps built by the Durant family centuries ago, are unique due to their rugged exterior, cozy interior, all while maintaining the finest, most delicate craftsmanship. 

Important to note is that this was the style of the wealthy people who inhabited the area,  not your average Adirondack resident. More traditional Adirondack homes were smaller and far less elaborate, though they shared some of the same characteristics as larger camps. They were made mostly from lumber that was local and easily accessible, sometimes with the outer walls showcasing the stereotypical look of overlapping logs. Like their more elaborate counterparts, they were designed more to blend in with the environment rather than stand out, which would become a key characteristic of Adirondack architecture. The theme of rustic elegance came from the fact that they were very minimalistic, and efficiently made use of whatever materials were most commonly available. They certainly had great influence on the camps that would come with the influx of tourists.

Image 1: An example of a more modest Adirondack residence. This specific cabin rests on the outskirts of Lake Placid. Notice the interlocking logs and simplistic style.

The Adirondack camps that have truly defined the style were those used by wealthy people as a vacation home and part-time residence, most often located on the shores of some lake or body of water. They often resemble ski lodges in style, with sharp, triangular shaped roofs, high ceilings, and in some cases, vast fireplaces. Most exterior colors are earthy, with some maintaining the finish of the wood from which they are made, and others opting to be painted in darker tones. The true Adirondack style blends in with the environment, and is meant to be integrated into the area around it. This is the reason why many houses are sheltered in the trees, and the ones in the open tend to share fewer characteristics of the Adirondack style. 

Image 2: Another cabin in Lake Placid, though much larger and more elaborate than the last. The design is more modern, incorporating larger windows and carefully layered brick. 

These days, Adirondack architecture has spread far outside only the Adirondack region. It has become a common staple in all sorts of mountainous areas, and possibly the most recognizable aspect is the popular Adirondack chair, which is found all over the country. This style has had a significant impact on lodging and hotels, especially out west, hence why Adirondack camps can sometimes feel like ski lodges. Modern architecture has generally evolved to be more minimalistic and elegant, and like fine wine, Adirondack architecture has only become more elegant with the passage of time.

Works Cited
Smith, Stephanie, “Adirondack Architecture” [lecture], Architecture IV [class], Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Fall 2018.