Pub. 2 2014 Directory

20 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2014 | www.aia-mt.org T he basic program was straightforward: design an energy-ef cient house with kitchen, dining, and circulation spaces sized to accommodate large ranch events. The decision, however, to append the new structures, how-ever, to the existing and much-loved historic compound added signi cantly to the design challenge. We started by siting the Cookhouse on the south side of, and across a small creek from, the Granary that dominates the existing compound. The creek—which had become little more than a drainage ditch—was restored and replanted with willows, dogwood and other native riparian vegetation to provide a degree of separation from the agricultural compound and road beyond. The Equipment Barn was located adjacent to the previously rehabilitated Granary and connects to the Cookhouse by a footbridge over the creek. We adopted a low, one-and-a-half story, broad-eaved, gable-roofed structure similar to local hay barns for the Cookhouse to bring down its scale and allow the Granary to remain the anchor of the compound. The Cookhouse’s elongated east-west axis is not only optimal for solar gain, but also ideal for views. Moreover, this orientation presents the narrow face of the building to the most intense wind and weather. Its second story pushes out from underneath the roof variedly to grab light, steal a view, or expel hot air. Both oors are organized in plan along a central circulation spine. This generous central hallway with a wood-burning stove links all interior spaces and functions not only as a social space but also as a massive air duct connecting the entire house to the thermal chimney. The thermal chimney punctures the roof at its ridge and keeps the house cool even in the extreme heat of summer, making air-conditioning unnecessary. In colder months, the house is heated with a ground source heat pump and energy-ef cient wood stoves. The low ceiling and thermal chimney help maximize thermal performance. The gable roof’s substantial overhang and wrap-around porch provide ample options for working and relaxing outside protected from the wind, rain, snow and sun. Project Location: Clyde Park, Montana Principal Architect: Richard Fernau, FAIA Firm: Fernau & Hartman Architects, Inc. Main Of ce: 2512 Ninth Street, #2 Berkeley, CA 94710 Phone: 510-848-4480 Field Of ce: 506 Miles Street Clyde Park, MT 59018 Website: fernauhartman.com Montana Cookhouse Honor Award Photography by Richard Barnes