Location: Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, Montana.
Architect & Construction Administrator: Dan Joseph Architects.
Interior Design: Carole Sisson Designs (now Erika&Co).
Built by: Highline Partners.
Photography: Audrey Hall.
Standing Seam Metal Roof: Bridger Steel.
From the architects:
“Based upon utilization of historic Architecture, respect for cultural heritage, outstanding natural beauty and the incorporation of sustainable design principals, a Western States Architect has designed Mountain Living’s ‘Most Responsible’ Residence of the Year.
Photo insert is of a Guest Cabin as seen from the near side linkage of ponds designed by the Architect. This particular pond is close to 30′ deep, providing family enjoyment while serving as a thermal mass for a WSHP exchange loop. The primary axis of the Cabin aligns with this water feature and another towards a magnificent view of the nearby Pioneer Mountain located deep within the Madison Range. Notice how beautifully the architecture keys into the water’s edge, complimenting the rustic structure’s inseparable connection to the landscape.”
“The project Headwaters Camp, located in Yellowstone Club – Big Sky, Montana “is carefully cradled in a world defined by the orderly needs of the program and the random artistry of nature in the extreme,” says the Architect Dan Turvey. Set upon the edge in a series of ponds, streams and falls designed by Turvey, a rustic cabin appears to hover over the sparkling waters of a high mountain alpine lake. “Developing our Master Plan on this 22-acre parcel from among others available was a critical decision made by the owner,” says Turvey. “It wasn’t readily apparent that such potential existed on a site that lent itself more to limitations than an envisioned family encampment.”
Designing a structure in the Rockies at 8000 feet, proximate to Yellowstone National Park presents many challenges; including an active seismic zone, annual snowfall approaching 8’-0” and an underlying geology that must be considered well in advance to undertaking any formal response. Within these constraints, the Architect looked to the National Park and our collective early century architectural heritage for creative inspiration. “The idea was to showcase and celebrate an enduring, regional vernacular that conveys strength, permanence and a sense of confidence amongst an overwhelming panorama of majestic mountains and weather extremes,” says Turvey. “The added practical benefits of this vocabulary allowed us to seamless integrate moment frames, shear panels and a wide flange ridge beam, while also accenting the dwelling with rafter tails, reclaimed dimensional timber and log assemblies throughout a substantial structure.”
The difficulties of achieving energy efficiency in a rustic vocabulary, which by this example utilizes the appearance of dove-tailed, hand-hewn, sand chinked timbers, dry stacked stone and old world planking, was accomplished with an artistic approach of applying materials to a conventional wood-framed structure. The final result is a modest-sized, 1800 sf, rustic dwelling that reflects sustainable values that have been honored at the highest possible level by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
This LEED-Platinum designated home is the first in Southwest, Montana and the third home in the state to receive any certification from the USGBC. “The vision for Headwaters was to create a family camp that feels and looks like it has existed for 100 years,” says owner Todd Thomson. “I was also determined to build a home that reflects my values as an environmentalist and board member of the World Resources Institute.”
“Really what makes this project so special was the commitment on behalf of all the parties to push Headwaters Camp to a level that currently has no equal” says Turvey. “In the big picture of things, the end product is a reflection of an Owner’s exceptional vision and directive.” while adding “The contractors’ collective commitment and determination to make the mark cannot be understated; without the teams applied effort, certification would not have been possible.”
Dan Joseph Architects shares the true power of architecture with a breathtaking example of a modest-sized, rustic dwelling that reflects sustainable values.”
“Green Building:
‘Green Building’ often evokes images of rectilinear like structures with clean, geometric lines. So how is it possible for a Rustic Cabin that appears to have been built decades before, to receive a LEED for Homes Platinum rating: a top designation for residences awarded by the United States Green Building Council?
Consider for one…that the Headwaters Camp – Guest Cabin is an original design and likely the most efficient ever built; for instance eliminating problems of uneven settlement, air and insect infiltration normally associated with buildings of this type, a fully insulated Chimney and Fireplace enclosure and a WSHP- Pond Loop sized for Cabin and Home alike.
Design – Performance Accomplishments:
1- Hidden Seismic and Live/Dead Load Engineering – Wide Flange Ridge Beam, Micro-lam Roof Framing, Moment Frame, Shear Panels and Shear Walls all disappearing seamlessly into a structure that appears to have been built 100 years earlier.
2- Applied Reclaimed Finishes – Eliminating Air and Insect Infiltration typically associated with Rustic Dwellings; utilizing Dove Tailed Timbers, Dry Stacked Stone, Standing Dead…Log Beams & Columns, Rustic Wall/Floor Planking, and Dimensional Rafters/Beams.
3- Unique fully insulated, tube steel framed Fireplace and Chimney, utilizing an Isokern Fire Box and Chimney Chase.
4- WSHP – Pond Loop, Radiant Flooring, Air Exchange Units, Grey Water Reclamation, etc.
5- Super Insulated Structure (combined closed cell spray foam and batt overlay) and Triple Glazed Window Units.
6- Conventional wood framing at prescribed, increased spacing, saving material and money.
7- Recyclable, Standing Seam Metal Roof.
8- Over 100 – third party certified points in the designation of LEED Platinum.”
