The chalet of today is a far cry from the original herds - mans hut. Its triumphant ascent to elegant mountain mansion, frequently used as a holiday getaway by the societal elite, began in the 19th century. Its allure today is unbroken. As a place of relaxation and retreat from the day-to-day, chalets are being built in mountainous regions around the world. The chalet derives its charm from the combination of the architectural and the surrounding nature. Instead of sim - ply fitting into the landscape by necessity, the dwellings draw it in. In this way a unique formal language emerges. This volume displays the charm of nature, while winning over the viewer with contemporary designs, which range from the classical wooden house with flat gabled roof, to the high-tech mountain hut.