Location: Whitefish Lake, Montana
Set along the crystalline shores of Whitefish Lake, this project explores how warm modernism can be authentically expressed in a mountain context. Rather than leaning on the predictable vocabulary of alpine architecture, we reinterpreted traditional regional materials—stone, timber, and iron—in refined, unexpected ways. Vertical rough-sawn wood cladding is detailed with crisp, contemporary shadow lines; exposed steel beams express gravity, timber elements are milled with clean, sculptural profiles; and hand-molded artisanal brick is laid in thin, elongated courses to create a quietly luxurious texture. Inside, these same materials are softened with natural light, crafted millwork, and hand-selected furnishings that balance sophistication with comfort.
The design intent was to create a home that feels simultaneously grounded and weightless—one that honors the rugged beauty of Montana while embracing a modern lifestyle focused on connection to nature. Floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves boundaries between interior and landscape, framing the lake and surrounding firs as ever-present architectural elements. We preserved mature trees within the footprint and used long-span steel structure to create warm, voluminous living spaces that open completely to the outdoors. Intimately scaled moments—like the custom bunk suite, the sculptural live-edge dining table, and the serene lake-facing master retreat—bring a sense of humanity to the expansive architecture. The result is a fresh interpretation of mountain living: a crafted, contemporary sanctuary that elevates familiar materials into a new expression of place., and hand-selected furnishings that balance sophistication with comfort.