Distinctly Montana Magazine

S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 S P E C I A L S E C T I O N 7 1 PLH: With ease. Part of the immense charm of a log home is the character offered by different angles of view promoted by both natural and enhanced lighting. You can sit in one location in a log home in the morning on one day and notice the character of that home with the rising sun. Then stand in another location in the evening with interior lighting that brings out the character in a way you didn't notice before. Combine this with a strong mix of character logs mixed with more cutting-edge technology solutions than ever before. At Pioneer, we recently built our own center boring machine that enables hiding data and technology supporting cables inside of the logs in places that previously were a challenge. This allows character and comfort in a log home combined with high tech- nology data centers any place in the home without interruption. SINCE LOG HOMES ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH OUTDOOR LIVING, HOW DO YOU USE DESIGN ELEMENTS TO MERGE THE COZINESS OF A LOG CABIN WITH THE OUTDOORS? YCCH: After considering the property, we like to design out- door elements that make it very easy to pass from the inside to enjoying the outside. A deck that enjoys phenomenal sunsets, or reaching out to bubbling brook. A patio with a pergola that reaches out to firepit. We use the natural elements to make the home part of the landscape. MLH: Modern log homes tend to incorporate a lot of large win- dows and glass doors to access patios, decks and porches. The natural logs are perfectly suited to framing marvelous outdoor spaces such as gazebos and second level balconies as well. PLH: In most cases, it would actually be more difficult to separate these elements. By definition Log Homes integrate design cues from the outdoors. The logs we build with grow in our surrounding forests, they are part of our national parks and adorn many state and national recreation areas as well as historical buildings. Stones used for fireplaces are as natural and comfortable as the water we drink, and air we breathe. Iron in its raw form comes from the earth. In their most beautiful form, log homes combine the big three design elements (Logs, Stone, and Iron) in a symbiotic way. Used in the proper balance, combining these three elements to construct a log home lends very well to a comfortable feel with a stunning end product. As a team, we love what we do. We are also well aware that for most of our customers, we play an important role in fulfilling a lifelong dream. Our legacy is something we are very proud of, and the best compliment we have ever heard from a customer is, "We are in Love with our Dream Home." WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON INCLUDING UNCUT TREES OR OTHER MORE NATURAL SHAPES IN THE INTERIOR SPACES OF THE LOG HOMES? YCCH: Bringing trees, boulders, etc., inside further grounds the home with the landscape. It also adds visual interest and a conversation piece. MLH: Here at Montana Log Homes we love rustic! We often in- clude natural character logs in the walls and support posts of our homes. You will also see a lot of natural stone and tile through- out many of our designs. PLH: We have a saying here at Pioneer. And that is, "If the customer likes it, then we love it." That's because we believe we have the most talented artisans in the business, and if a customer requests intricate work including uncut trees, branches or, for example, makes a request for a 5,000-gallon aquarium in their living room, we can and have built it. We believe issuing one of our gifted artisans a robust challenge is a great honor, and our team is always open to something new & exciting. "OUR STYLE IS TIMELESS AND CONNECTS NEW DESIGN WITH THE MONTANA ROOTS OF THE PAST." JEREMY THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

• Cover