The house sits near the Gallatin River in Montana's Big Sky country. The project presented three major challenges: 1) Snowfall management, 2) Minimizing traffic noise and visibility and 3) Incorporating landscape views with adequate thermal management.

According to Tom Lencheck, principal of Balance Associates, each challenge was met by pragmatic engineering resolutions. For the first, snowfall management was addressed in two ways; structurally and positionally. The home is built with both an inner and outer steel support system (as shown on HSV Engineers' website). This double-down structural support is to able to bear Montana's heaviest snow pack.

The gentle slopes of the roof-line are pitched in a way to regulate water run-off. These "gutters" lead to checkered, grass-infused concrete surfaces which absorb run-off and return it to ground sources.

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The home sits near the Gallatin river and the I-90. The "front" of the home is positioned at an angle away from highway and towards the Northern side of the riparian landscape. This orientation minimizes road noise while providing consistent, day time lighting.

This image details not only the A-capped (45° cutoff) floodlights but also one of the unique V-shaped gutters which feeds a small water feature.

This section of the home exhibits no less than 20 floodlights.

The third main challenge Balance Associates addressed was how to incorporate the gorgeous landscape into the home's space and yet cool and heat the structure adequately while maintaining efficiency. From the onset the designers knew they wanted a transitional space with large glass, floor-to-ceiling walls with ample patio spaces.

Glass walls and steel supports easily transfer thermal energy, known in the industry as "bridging." Heat loss was minimized by utilizing high performance glazing and materials that doubled typical R-ratings. The firm, working with their engineering partners, smartly utilized radiant in-floor heating in conjunction with a mechanical heating system that includes an open geothermal groundwater loop. This green system not only minimizes heat transfers but also conveniently melts snow and ice on concrete walkways. Cooling is provided by clerestory windows and large sliding walls during warmer months which rarely see average yearly temperatures higher than the high 80's.

The sun sets on the Galltin River basin and the "River Bank."

PROJECT DETAILS:

Fixtures: Delta Star™ Series on BC7 Machined Canopy

Architect: Balance Associates, Architects

Structural Engineers: Harriott Smith Valentine Engineers

Mechanical Engineers:Three Rivers Engineering, Inc.

General Contractor: Robert Naert Construction

Sales Representative: DMA Lighting

Photo Credit: © Steve Keating

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