Located on 35 acres outside of Whitefish, MT, the Stillwater residence sits at the edge of a field along the Stillwater River. Views and access to the water, along with the breathtaking "Big Sky" view across the meadow to the mountains in the distance, were the main priority.

Due to a previous slide failure on the property, the county road was moved away from the edge of the water leaving an existing roadbed. The house site was selected to avoid any bends in the river, just at the edge of the field and on the existing roadbed, requiring restoration to the topography. Excess fill from re-grading gently mounded in the meadow protects views and noise from the new road.

The house is aligned along the length of the river. Glimpses of the river and Big Sky view beyond can be seen on entry to the auto-court, setting up an alternating view of water and mountains. This pattern of alternation continues through the placement of rooms to each side of the main axis, creating additional courtyards and other outdoor spaces between them and setting up a dramatic roofline.

In addition to providing great views, the alignment works for optimal solar orientation; the thermal mass of the concrete floors help to passively moderate internal temperature. Energy efficient windows, deep roof overhangs, and a super insulated envelope all contribute to reduction of energy use in the home along with a sophisticated climate monitoring system.