Pub. 1 2013 Directory

30 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2013 | www.aia-mt.org T he Flathead Lake Cabin is set on the shore at the south end of the lake. The site has terrific views both to the north, up the length of the lake, and to the east toward the Mission Mountains. The owners had camped extensively on the site with their four sons. They loved the connection to the outdoors that comes with sleeping in a tent but were ready for a permanent dwelling. On the main level the living room is enclosed only by large sliding glass doors and the fireplace. When the doors are open the cabin feels like an open air pavilion. The indoor and outdoor fireplaces recall beachside campfires and allow the family to gather comfortably around the hearth in any weather while watching the lake. Patios surround living areas on the main floor and stairs on both sides of the patio tie the main level seamlessly down to the grade and the shore beyond. On the ground level the family room and sleeping porches open directly onto the grassy beach that slopes gently to the water. The sleeping porches can be opened to the sounds of the water lapping on the shore. They have the airiness of camping but with the comfort of a bed and the security of a roof. The cabin’s roof slopes at the same angle as the underlying site and is planted with native grasses. The dramatic cantilever shelters the outdoor fireplace area and draws the eye to the lake view and on to the horizon. The building’s crisp, modern form is juxtaposed with the materials and textures of the agricultural vernacular. Metal siding for the project was salvaged from an 80 year old Montana barn. The exterior is durable but shows the passage of time and changes with the season. The owner was the general contractor for the cabin and performed some of the work with his sons. Being a general contractor the owner wanted low maintenance materials throughout to make sure that his weekends were spent relaxing and not working on the cabin! Citation Award Honor Award Flathead Lake Cabin Project Location: Missoula, Montana Lead Architect: Donald MacArthur, AIA Firm: MacArthur, Means & Wells 125 West Alder Missoula, MT 59802 don@mmwarchitects.com