Located in Western Montana, this 2,500 square foot home with 1,000 square foot detached garage is sited carefully on a property with a creek running through its backyard. The site has many complex design requirements, including a steep slope, riparian area and flood plain. Most of the interior spaces are located on the main floor with only the master suite on the second floor.

The owners wanted a strong connection between inside and out, and although the street side of the house maintains a low profile, the creek side of the house has several indoor outdoor spaces, including the protected backyard and a cantilevered dining deck supported by its own fireplace. There is also a detached garage with a walk-out 'man cave' below that opens up onto the lower level of the site. The home also employs sustainable building strategies like a geothermal heat pump and green roof. Completed as a collaboration between Balance Associates Architects and Studio Zerbey Architecture.