Spotlight on Glamping Structures - A-Frame Cabins

CREDIT FOR THE A-FRAME ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GOES TO AUSTRIAN-AMERICAN DESIGNER RUDOLPH SCHINDLER, AND A LAKE ARROWHEAD, CALIFORNIA HOME WHICH WAS DESIGNED BY HIM AND BUILT IN 1934.

INSPIRED BY THE LAKE ARROWHEAD HOME CALLED “THE BENNATI HOUSE”, ARCHITECT JOHN CAMPBELL DESIGNED AN A-FRAME CABIN IN THE 1950’S DUBBED “THE LEISURE HOUSE”, WHICH LED TO THE A-FRAME TREND EXPLOSION ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

TODAY, THE A-FRAME IS A POPULAR VACATION STRUCTURE THAT BOASTS A LARGE INTERIOR, INDOOR/OUTDOOR FLOW, AND A SIMPLE AND DURABLE DESIGN THAT WORKS WELL IN ALL SEASONS.

IN THIS ARTICLE, WE’LL DIVE A BIT DEEPER INTO THE DESIGN OF THIS ICONIC VACATION SYMBOL, AND HIGHLIGHT SOME GLAMPTUARYS AROUND THE WORLD THAT FEATURE THIS STRUCTURE AS A BEAUTIFUL GLAMPING OPTION ON THEIR PROPERTIES.

*Location -* *Desert of Maine* *- Freeport, Maine*

Standing tall and proud, the A-Frame cabin has become a symbol for modern leisure and design around the globe, both in the physical sense and in logo design.

When spotted from the road, the A-Frame captures the eye and inspires thoughts of camping in the woods and nature immersion.

*Location -* *Alders Gate Retreat* *- Turner, Oregon*

The A-Frame design has also translated to one of the most common logo designs used by dozens of campsites, glampsites, and vacation rental properties around the globe.

The A-Frame symbolizes leisure in a simple and luxurious structure.

And that’s just the exterior.

The structural design is where things really get interesting.

Rudolph Schindler’s design for the first A-Frame needed to be spacious enough to function as a full time home. This directive was one of the driving forces behind his design, coupled with the need to be durable enough to withstand the change in seasons and massive amounts of snowfall, which is common in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

*The original A-Frame design - Source -* *Cabinhomes.com*

The “Bennati House” A-Frame vertical design included lofted rooms, and an economical use of the precious square footage on the main floor. To provide the feel of a more spacious interior, floor-to-ceiling windows were used to create an open and airy look.

*The Bennati House - Source -* *Cabinhomes.com*

This indoor/outdoor flow design is really what sets the A-Frame apart from other cabins.

*The Leisure House designed by John Campbell - Source -* *Field Mag*

In the glamping world, A-Frames are certainly a popular structure for its nature immersive design and durability through all types of weather and climates.

We’ve picked out a few Glamptuarys that offer a stay in an A-Frame, and our bucket-list selections are below for your perusal: