Distinctly Montana Magazine

George Sporn By Angie Keesee, A.I.A. T he noted geographer D. W. Meinig describes the West as a "process" in which the historical myth of the frontier and the majesty of the landscape creates an experience unique to the region. As more people seeking lifestyle amenities settle the West, challenges arise to address the landscape with a sensitivity that allows for growth and preservation. When Montana State University alumnus, Bill Hoy, decided to build his house in Bozeman, he saw a two-fold challenge. As an architect, he knew the significance of environmental sustainability. He also felt a responsibility toward what he calls "human sustainability." The construction project became a commitment to energy efficiency, while the design concept sought "universal" accessibility for his parents' retirement and his daughter's wheelchair. Hoy, senior vice-president with Wyndham Worldwide, bought a lot on the Bridger Creek golf course in 2006, planning to return with his wife and daughter to Bozeman where he had lived as a graduate of the MSU School of Architecture. The real bonus to the golf course location is not in the game but, as Hoy smilingly notes, "No one can build in front of me." Describing his views of the southwest expanse of the valley as "sweeping" is an understatement. Human sustainability and collaboration were themes repeated by those involved in the construction project. As an experiment in environmentally sensitive design, the design focuses on the coordination of "systems" or packaged elements, which comprise a construction project. These include heating and cooling equipment and the "envelope," which encloses the house. (Think of an envelope as the wall or layer separating the outdoors from the temperaturecontrolled indoors.) Modular insulated concrete forms (ICFs) provide the structure for the first floor walls and floor while reducing energy consumption and harmful emissions associated with traditional building products. Structurally insulated panels (SIPs), manufactured in Belgrade by Big Sky Insulations, in the second floor walls and roof add to the energy and construction efficiencies. As former president of the School of Architecture's Advisory Council, Hoy helped establish the Creative Research Lab, with Terry Beaubois as director, to study multidisciplinary projects through the College of Art and Architecture. The Lab continues to coordinate the research phase of the house with the AAON Lab at MSU's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Numerous engineering students spent hours on site during construction installing sensors that test the efficiency of the 12" exterior wall system. Additional sensors provide data comparing two different geothermal systems to forced air and solar panel arrangements. Considered an alternative to fossil fuels, renewable geothermal power works with the earth's temperature to maintain comfortable levels of warmth. Hoy expects the redundancy of the systems will reveal an alternative for retrofitting houses throughout Montana. Watch an interview with house owner Bill Hoy: DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL www.distinctlymontana.com/hoy133 68 D I ST I NCT LY M ONTANA • SU M M E R 2013

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