The Santa Chalet: A 16' x 18' Custom Modular Timber Frame for Events & Retail

The Santa Chalet is a custom-engineered prefab event structure designed for the high-demand world of commercial seasonal displays. Originally conceived for a boutique firm specializing in promotional environments, this project required us to transform a conceptual sketch into a tangible, high-performance custom holiday display building under a strict deadline.

Handcrafted at our facility in Maine, this modular timber frame kit was engineered specifically for portability. Unlike traditional static buildings, this retail chalet features precision joinery that allows it to be easily shipped, assembled, and disassembled for recurring seasonal use.

After fabrication, the components were delivered to our client’s East Coast location, where we assisted in a rapid one-day assembly. The structure then traveled to Las Vegas, where it was re-installed at the Downtown Summerlin Mall. This portable commercial cabin—complete with a super-insulated SIP envelope—provided a warm, inviting, and architecturally stunning home for Santa and his visitors for seven holiday seasons.

We hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed creating this very special BungalowInABox.

3D Rendering: Click play for full view.
A Timber Frame For Santa:
Floor Plan and Elevations:
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3D ElevationElevation
Candid Finish Photos: Click a thumbnail to start this slideshow.
InteriorInterior ExteriorExterior Waiting for SantaWaiting for Santa Opening Night PerformanceOpening Night CelebrationCelebration Visiting SantaVisiting Santa Santa and PuppySanta & Puppy Oh MyOh My Uh OhUh Oh So PrettySo Pretty
Fabrication Photos: Click a thumbnail to start this slideshow.
Platform CompletePlatform Components Pressure Treated Skids for Easy Transport, Protection from Ground Skids Platform Screwed TogetherPlatform Advantech FloorAdvantech Floor Platform CompletePlatform Complete Modular WallsModular Walls Substantial Steel Brackets to Ensure a Strong ConnectionSubstantial Steel Braces First Rafter Set AssembledRafter Set Fastening Rafters with Aluminum BracketsFastening Rafters Two Rafter SetsTwo Rafter Sets Staining MantelStaining Mantel PlanningPlaning Raising BentRaising Bent Oval DormerOval Dormer ScribingScribing Oval DormerOval Dormer Moving the ChimneyMoving the Chimney ChimneyChimney Loading TruckLoading Truck Headed SouthHeaded South
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ArrivalArrival Unloading ChimneyUnloading Chimney Unloading Platform ComponentsUnloading Platform Assembling Platform - 2nd ComponentAssembling Platform Assembling Platform - 3rd ComponentAssembling Platform Platform Laid OutLaid Out Platform AssembledPlatform Assembled First WallFirst Wall Front WallFront Wall Timber Frame Cross TiesCross Ties Back Wall Secured with Steel PlateBack Wall Preparing ChimneyPreparing Chimney Plate for SIP PanelsPlate Assembling Back Wall BentAssembling Bent Pounding Wood DowelsWood Dowels Assembling ChimneyAssembling Chimney Chimney AssembleyChimney Assembled First Rafter Set RaisedFirst Rafter Set Back Wall Bent with MantelBack Wall Bent Drilling Holes to Secure RaftersDrilling Holes Second Rafter Set RaisedSecond Rafter Set Third Rafter Set RaisedThird Rafter Set Fourth Rafter Set RaisedFourth Rafter Set Mortise and TenonMortise and Tenon Fifth Rafter Set RaisedFifth Rafter Set Assembling Last Rafter Set, Front WallLast Rafter Set Rafters Secured with Aluminum BracketsAluminum Brackets Final Rafter Set RaisedFinal Rafter Set First SIP Panel in PlaceFirst SIP Positioning SIPPositioning SIP Panel ProgressionPanel Progression SIPs Provide Insulated SpaceInsulated Space Completed Roof Panels - First SideCompleted Roof Panels Continuing Panel InstallationPanels Two Panels to GoTwo Panels to Go Placing a PanelPlacing a Panel Securing WallSecuring Wall One Panel to GoOne Panel to Go Viw from the BackFrom the Back Complete Timber Frame Santa ChaletComplete
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Assembly BeginsAssembly Begins Front ViewFront View Santa Needs SprinklersSprinklers Chimney Raised, Not FinishedChimney Chimney and DeerDeer Roof with SnowRoof Installing Elliptical DormerDormer Installation Looking InLooking In Finishing the ChimneyChimney Glass WallGlass Wall Last WallLast Wall Hanging DecorationsDecorations Outside Finished?Outside Finished? Chandelier - OffChandelier - Off Chandelier - OnChandelier - On