A Breathtaking Getaway in Big Sky, Montana

Photography by Gibeon Photography

Every once in a while we are lucky enough to connect with a client that provides us with a great deal of creative freedom. Such was the case with a Bay area family that came to us with the goal of creating a family ski home in Big Sky, Montana that could accommodate not only their family of five but extended family and guests as well.

The clients gave very little design direction other than to say they wanted a home that was overtly modern but also still felt like a Montana mountain home. In order to achieve this balance, we integrated massive windows and modern materials throughout the home while maintaining the look of a classic ski chalet on the exterior with natural materials and a gabled roof design.

At the entry, weathered fieldstone is cleanly stacked to reinforce structural architectural forms, while reclaimed plank siding is detailed in such a way as to allow it to flow both inside and outside. There is a quality to the home that is timeless in a modern way.

Inside the home, the rugged architectural materials are balanced with soft plaster walls, warm fabrics, and comfortable family furnishings. At every turn throughout the home, there is a mix of rustic and reclaimed materials juxtaposed with modern elements.

The open-concept family room/kitchen/dining room features floor-to-ceiling glass panels which open up to the gorgeous panorama of Montana’s signature big sky and the majestic peaks beyond. Installing glass from edge to edge gives an outdoor pavilion feel to the indoor space and provides a light, airy effect to the space. Exposed steel trusses and reclaimed fir beams aged to a soft gray patina provide visual interest overhead.

In the kitchen, the clean lines of white cabinetry contrasted with a hefty walnut island provide a touch of San Francisco influence—an interesting pairing to the more rustic elements in the home.   

The expansive feeling continues into the living room where spare architectural elements (not a lot of high finish or detail crown or trim) give way to a simple palette of stone, timber and glass, allowing the stunning vistas to take center stage. Elegant yet unfussy, the decor is warm and inviting, encouraging guests to linger and relax. 

Just outside the main living area, Sky-Frame aluminum sliding doors open to a massive deck. The outdoor area is covered and heated, providing enough protection from the elements for the family to use year-round. Comfortable couches and chairs, along with a built-in, heated dining banquette provide the family space to eat and socialize as they gaze out at the Sphinx and Pioneer mountains in the distance. Just steps down, a stainless steel hot tub is encased in board form concrete and black basalt pavers

The primary bedroom is a picture of serenity. A cozy window bench is nestled between stacks of timber planks that transition from the exterior to the interior. Limited wall elements are highlighted in white in order to allow the natural materials to stand on their own, and the plaster finish and soft neutral finishes lend a feminine quality to the space. 

The theme of rustic elements mixed with modern touches continues in the owners’ sons’ bunk room. Comfy beds framed by weathered planks on the floor level are topped by a matching pair overhead supported with steel poles. A ladder doubling as a bookcase bridges the gap. 

The bright, airy lower level rec room is decked out with game tables, a comfy tv viewing area and room to play, making it the ideal space for family and friends to hang out. A floating soffit light cloud illuminates the room from above and provides focused light for serious gameplay.  

Greg Dennee, AIA, is Senior Partner at Locati Architects, an award-winning architectural design firm with three decades of experience designing high-end residential, commercial and resort architecture in Bozeman, Montana.  View their profile or contact Greg at 406-587-1139.

Content provided by Locati Architects.