Hints of Modernism Bring this New Build to Life
A Big Sky home whispers of “Midcentury Modern” design while staying true to its rugged Montana roots.
The home is a strong horizontal line on the landscape, with a northeastern orientation the homeowner finds refreshing. “Our prior home had a southern exposure, which grew tiresome as we lowered and raised shades throughout the day,” she says. | Photo: Audrey Hall
Two decades ago, a couple purchased their first home in the village of Big Sky, Montana, during a moment of Mountain West irony—it was too cold to ski during their vacation. “At minus 26 degrees with gusting winds, the mountain was closed,” explains the homeowner.
“So, we looked at homes with a real estate agent. Soon, we were enjoying the first of many spectacular moments in Big Sky!” After 15 years in the village, the couple, now empty nesters, looked forward to a different lifestyle. “It was time to be in a club for the amenities and the social aspect,” the homeowner says. “The lot we found in the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club had it all—ski-in, ski-out access, mountain views, dedicated green space on both sides and a northeast orientation.”
A Lindsey Adelman Studio chandelier, low-slung sectional and pentagonal coffee tables enhance the gathering room’s Midcentury Modern character. The views are Wilson Peak and the mountain biking-and-hiking Yellow Mule Trails. | Photo: Audrey Hall
The couple chose Pearson Design Group (PDG) and OSM Construction to design and build their new home. “We call this home ‘Midcentury Mountain,’ as the furnishings have a clean European look with a hint of Midcentury Modern style that ties in beautifully with the local materials typically found in mountain homes,” says the homeowner, who collaborated on the design with PDG architects Larry Pearson, Justin Tollefson and Zyg Wotzak.
Design details reveal themselves gradually inside and outside the home—a slight shift, the hint of midcentury style and a restrained palette. “The home is formed to the site through architectural subtleties,” says Pearson, PDG’s founding principal.
“It has geometry, while employing simple forms and a minimal materials palette of Montana moss rock and white oak that makes the spaces calm and almost meditative.” A large stone element to the left of the front entrance anchors the residence. “The stone core continues into the interiors,” he explains. “It’s a subtle, psychological design that signals the home is firmly anchored on the sloping site.”
“The kitchen is our favorite area because it opens directly onto a covered patio via large sliding glass doors,” says the homeowner. | Photo: Audrey Hall
While the home is full of subtleties, the views are not one of them. The entrance at the grand fireplace captures straightforward views of Yellow Mountain and Wilson Peak from the living room windows. “You step into the views immediately when you enter the home,” Tollefson says. “The central fireplace, which serves as a fulcrum, turns the home in an ever-so-slight pivot to the dining room to capture cross-valley views of the Gallatin Range.”
“The approach to the home is understated, but when you enter the living room, you can feel the grandeur through the wall of windows capturing views from west to east,” says Justin Chenette of OSM Construction. The team sprinkled the minimalism of 1960s midcentury style into modern Italian interiors via furniture and artwork. A Sculpta-Grille screen at the entrance provides an introduction to the style.
A sloped ceiling helps to delineate the dining area, which sits at the fireplace axis that pivots the home 15 degrees to capture different views. | Photo: Audrey Hall
“Larry (Pearson) had envisioned a sculptural piece at the entrance, but we could never settle on precisely what it should be,” says the homeowner. “We were visiting our daughter in L.A. Like any 30-something, she immediately turned to her phone and held up an image of the Sculpta-Grille. We had our solution!”
Sculptural interest continues in the kitchen, where Studio Como thoughtfully designed a Poliform system integrating clean-lined European cabinetry with wall panels. “Poliform is more than cabinetry; it’s a paneling system that acts as a partition from the butler’s pantry,” Pearson explains.
A full chef’s kitchen includes dual islands, a Julien prep sink with double taps, two dishwashers, a Wolf cooktop and griddle, a Sub-Zero freezer and refrigerator, a warming drawer, wine storage and strategically placed refrigerated storage drawers. The homeowner adds, “The team built a spectacular yet understated home, whose structure and materials integrate perfectly into its naturally rugged mountain setting.”
Thoughtful details such as a built-in window seat, tucked into a corner behind the Montana moss rock fireplace, and tilt-in European-style windows better capture the views from the primary bedroom. | Photo: Audrey Hall
When Styles Collide
At first glance, disparate design styles may seem unable to live together, but handling their deployment in a respectful way allows them to thrive in a space. “It was clear this couple had interest in Midcentury Modern design,” says architect Larry Pearson. “We honored that by following the proportions of the 1950s and ’60s while designing within our local Rocky Mountain palette of northwestern timber and Montana stone.” Combining two styles is attainable by:
CREATING A COHESIVE COLOR PALETTE
A neutral scheme of greens, blues and warm browns ties in with local natural stone, endless blue skies and a 365-degree view of trees dotting the slopes.
USING A COMMON THREAD OF MATERIALS
Stone and timber-paneled walls that begin on the outside travel uninterrupted into the interiors, punctuated briefly by slim European-style steel window frames. “The evolution of materials and technology, such as improved window systems, allows us to create homes like this one while not sacrificing durability or thermal protection,” says architect Justin Tollefson.
INCORPORATING A SECONDARY STYLE THROUGH ACCENTS
Midcentury style is evident in artful representations such as the Sculpta-Grille at the front door and geometric lighting, while the home remains anchored with regional natural materials.
A peek of the all-glass corner around the freestanding tub can be seen from the primary bathroom mirror. | Photo: Audrey Hall
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE – Pearson Design Group
INTERIOR DESIGN – Homeowner & Pearson Design Group
CONSTRUCTION – OSM Construction
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE – Field Studio Landscape Architects
