In Praise of the “A”

The history of the Innsbrook A-frame is the foundation of the community’s traditions. Even with the burgeoning residential population, the majority of those at Innsbrook call the A-frame home. And most who are now in homes began their Innsbrook experience in an A-frame.

The A-frame is magical to those who love Innsbrook. From the outside, it’s cedar and glass rising into the forest ceiling. It’s so at harmony with the shapes and colors of nature that one hardly knows it’s there. Visitors to Innsbrook are astounded to hear that, as they drive around the development, they are passing hundreds of A-frames. “Where?” they ask.

Of all the buildings ever made by man, the A-frame is surely one of the most at peace with nature. The Innsbrook A-frames are built on piers delicately perched on the forest floor so trees growing within feet of the building are not disturbed. Many Innsbrook A-frames even have trees growing up through the decks, giving them all the charm of a treehouse – existing in the tree tops surrounded by a canopy of bright green leaves, hidden in the foliage.

Inside the A-frames are triangular glass walls that become living stained-glass windows filtering in light from trees, lakes, sky and stars – ever-changing in color and hue as the days and seasons pass.

Perhaps it’s the glass, perhaps it’s the triangular shape (the Plains Indians believed living in a square-shaped home was unhealthy), but being in an A-frame conveys a feeling of being at one with the outdoors even when indoors. Of course, the true magic of the A-frame is what happens inside – families spending time together creating memories.

When Ed Boyce brought the A-frame idea back from Aspen, Colorado, he knew these Bavarian chalets would conjure images of Alpine resorts. But mention “A-frame” to thousands of St. Louis families and the memories that come to mind are of those of precious time together.

Experience the Innsbrook atmosphere this weekend at the 25th Annual Fall Home Tour on Saturday, October 11, from noon to 4 p.m., when you’ll explore rustic and private A-frame chalets, grand and secluded lake homes and Innbsrook’s brand new cottage display in the Alpine Woods. You’re also invited to two open houses on Sunday.

What activities would you do first if you lived on one of Innsbrook’s more than 100 lakes?