This project’s site, spanning a half-mile long bend of the Bitterroot River on land once famously crossed by the Nez Perce tribe in their flight, had been minimally disturbed over the years save for an irrigation ditch and a modestly scaled old barn and shed. Committed to maintaining a low impact, its new master plan respectfully shares space with existing stands of mature ponderosa, thriving aspen groves, and a large-scale indigenous meadow restoration project.

The design is fundamentally informed by the surrounding land, water, and mountains. Structures and people are subordinate to - and supportive of - the natural ecosystem, creating a profound sense of place. The house is approached on foot by an elevated boardwalk; floating decks around the house define edges between built and natural elements; and native meadow grasses grow wild right up to the house and decks. 

With its modest footprint, the house sits lightly on the land, a slight elevation limiting it’s incursion. The scale and form evoke a historic vernacular and utilitarian purpose. The finish palette is minimal, consisting of wood board on the walls and floors, oiled steel structure and sheetmetal panels.