Distinctly Montana Magazine

the not- so-big house LOCKIE PHOTOGRAPHERS LOCKIE PHOTOGRAPHERS In Bozeman, which faces an upturn in population grown, homeowners, architects, and contractors face the challenge of maintaining a bond to the openness and vision of the valley while accepting urban parameters, such as block sizes, construction setbacks, human scale, and compat- ible form. Placed behind a row of columnar aspens, the 800-square-foot house at the dead end of Wallace sits on the edge of a mixed-use neighborhood defined by Bozeman bungalows, warehouses, and the library. The straightfor- ward rectangular form of the house, designed by Ben Lloyd and Laura Landon of Comma Q Architects in Bozeman, creates a comfortable relationship with the neighborhood while hinting at a special connection to the landscape. Commissioned by Julie and Stephen Shea, the house exemplifies the popular ideas of Susan Susanka, author of The Not So Big House. "Not So Big doesn't necessarily mean small...but designed and built to perfectly suit the way you live." The street-face windows recall those of the neighboring circa 1900 bungalows. Inside the house, larger windows, which operate as two-directional casements expand on the same proportions and modern frame details. An easy crank opens from the bottom or the side to take advantage of the weather. Windows butting to a corner in the kitchen create the perfect spot for watching the winter sun rise and set. The owners admit to competing for the first cup of coffee in this corner. The front door, an earthy red, is set back into the house creating an exterior space which serves as a transitional entry from snow boots to warm socks. 56 The plan is essentially one open, clearly ordered space holding the Montana light. The light washing the pale walls and blonde wood cabinets expands the cozy space of the kitchen/dining/living area. A light shelf extended from the southern clerestories bounces light across the whole ceiling, creating a surprising sense of spacious- ness. The bedroom and laundry/bathroom/pantry core seems carved out of 10" deep walls visually thickened by built-in cabinets, window seats, and window sills. Cen- trally located, the Tulikivi wood-burning stove acts as a complementary frame to the entry without becoming an overwhelming token fireplace. Additionally, the stove, en- closed in stone per the manufacturer's recommendations, works with the radiant heating in the polished concrete floor for an impressively toasty return following a run of skate skiing in nearby Lindley Park. The thematic shed roof opens the south side to views of Peet's Hill and a hidden garden planted with fruit trees, flowers, art, and an artist's studio. Landscape architects Troy and Jenny Scherer of Design 5 worked with land- scaper Greenspace, to create a garden which relishes the short growing season and will, ideally, provide a serene sculpture garden of winter effect. Another shed roof on the discreetly located garage and covered with photo-voltaic panels contributes to the environmentally responsible commitment. Working with local Independent Power Systems, the owners plan to use both the photo-voltaic and solar hot water system to minimize energy use. Steve Sutton of Sutton Homebuild- ing was the contractor who became part of the team that made this project successful. The pervasive sense of peace and quiet in the middle of town reflects a balance between nature and urban conve- nience. The owners admit that, while sustainable features were major criteria, the "spirit" of the house was the most important request to the designers. DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011

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