Inside A Mountain Chalet In Montana With Sweeping Views

2024 Best of Year Winner for Large Country House

The extreme weather conditions of a site 8,400 feet above sea level informed nearly every aspect of this 9,000-square-foot home in Big Sky, Montana. O’Neill Rose Architects positioned it in a cut in Lone Mountain to block harsh northwest winds, then built a tall stone base that withstands 12-foot-tall snowbanks and extends to support a cantilevered volume with views of the Spanish Peaks. The main inspiration came from timber snow fences, which are used across the American West to protect cattle from drifting snow. The design team translated the concept into a shou sugi ban–treated wood screen that wraps the upper level; it artfully captures snow in the facade and shelters outdoor areas like the hot tub terrace. Inside, a geothermal heating system, high-performance insulation, and triple-glazed windows form an energy-efficient cocoon. Fluted ash millwork references the mountain’s pole pines, and sculptural plaster ceilings recall snow drifts, creating serene spaces in constant dialogue with nature.

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