Pub. 6 2018 Directory

18 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2018 | www.aia-mt.org Cavallo Ranch Studio H Design, Inc. Gallatin Range, Montana I n the foothills of the Gallatin Mountains, a minimalist home rests quietly on the land, thoughtfully crafted to respect and respond to its natural surroundings, history, and neighboring community. The owners acquired the agricultural land out of a love for the beauty of the area and a desire to create an estate that would accommodate their passion for equestrian and outdoor pursuits. Open vistas and expanses of grassland inspired the vision to create a small structure that fit naturally into the site without the destruc- tion of large areas of pristine farmland. In order to respect the open landscape, the home was located near the county road to reduce the length of the driveway and minimize environmental impact to the site, resulting in close proximity to neighboring homes and creat- ing high visibility from the adjacent gravel road. Design priorities included the creation of a complete privacy barrier to the road, maintaining an open connection between interior spaces and the landscape beyond, and creating clean, modern forms while avoiding any ostentatious design that would be incongruent with the estab- lished community. Historically a working farm, neighboring structures reflect the prac- tical forms of agricultural buildings with the distinct patina earned from decades of exposure to harsh Montana weather and hard use. Cavallo Ranch takes its cue from these stalwarts, abstracting the sim- ple forms, materials, and textures of a utilitarian agricultural shed. A subdued façade addresses the road with unobtrusive garage doors and minimal, shielded fenestration creating the desired privacy bar- rier. Exterior materials include reclaimed barnwood, rusted steel, and Bonderized metal roofing. These raw materials remain unfinished to display an authentic patina that will weather naturally over time. Suc- cessfully blending with the character of the area, neighbors remark that they have traveled by the property for months before coming to the realization that it is a home rather than a farm building. Approaching the building from the driveway, the apparently solid form begins to dissolve into a perforated screening wall. Continuing around the exterior corner, the private side of the building opens dramatically to the landscape, contrasting the sheltered façade fac- ing the road. Unapologetically minimalistic and modern in design, deep overhangs shelter walls of glass oriented towards views of the Bridger Mountains to the northeast. The full glass front door and living room fenestration establishes a visual connection to the interior. Moving inside, the crisply polished material palette of the interior contrasts the subdued matte natural tones of the exterior. Clean lines, purity of form, and refined mate- rials drive the minimalist interior design. Original mid-century and contemporary paintings are featured on a backdrop of clean white walls that showcase the owner’s collection. The open floor plan of the home includes an entryway, kitchen, living room, master suite, and secondary suite. A four-car garage provides ample storage. The small footprint reflects the owner’s lifestyle and reduces impact to the site. Execution of detail is a theme throughout the home. Clean, flush de- tailing at the intersection of different finishes and textures enhances simple materials. Using standard construction techniques, careful attention to quality of installation, materials, and alignment elevates the details. Honor Design Award