| The 3850-square-foot spec home was constructed for the Southwestern Montana Parade of Homes. Inspired by the Adirondak-style lodges found in nearby Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the Syths also incorporated a number of craftsman elements into the homeÆs architecture. The exterior features a visually interesting combination of materials such as cultured stone, cedar shingles and siding.
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Montana builder Jim Syth broke company policy when he constructed this 3850-square-foot beauty for the 1999 Parade of Homes of Southwestern Montana. "We never, ever build spec homes, so this was a first for us," says Syth, referring to his firm, Bridger Builders, which he operates with wife and partner Lois in Bozeman, Montana.
Unhappy with what they considered to be the stereotypical A-frame style, or what they call the "I just moved to Montana" look that was common for new homes in their market, the Syths decided to take matters into their own hands.
"We decided to do this project as a spec home so that we could manage it from start to finish," says Jim Syth. Maintaining total control of all aspects of the house, from room configuration, to materials choices, to the selection of interior finishes and furniture, he says, gave them the freedom to create a home that would serve as a benchmark of quality for their design and construction talents.
"Our goal was to build a home that ælivedÆ as well as it was constructed," says Lois, who used her 23-plus years of experience as a professional interior designer, to add a feminine perspective to the homeÆs key areas. "People were really drawn to the warm, inviting ambiance of this house" she says.
| The kitchen has custom designed interior elements of the homeùincluding the knotty pine kitchen cabinetry, light fixtures and area rugs. For the cabinets, a "secret" finishing technique was usedùa 5-step process that tones down the knotholes and yellow character of the wood, without compromising its rustic charm.
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The homeÆs architectural style is designed to reflect the historic look of an Adirondak-style lodge, but features craftsman influences as well. One of its most appealing features is an unusual one for this areaùan inviting wrap-around porch that literally creates an extra room outside. "Everyone just loved that porch," says Lois. From here the panorama of the homeÆs spectacular setting spreads out in three directions.
"We were very careful to position the home on its two-acre lot, so that we could take full advantage of the views offered by the incredible site," says Jim Syth. The home features over 130 windows and was also oriented to take advantage of solar gain.
Syth was also determined that the home be as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Although Montana does not have a green built program of its own, he followed the guidelines of the Green Builder Program of Colorado for assistance. "Both states have similar climates, and this was the most logical choice," he says, adding that the finished home actually exceeds the standards set by the Colorado program.
Designed for a family, the home features three floors of living space, including a finished basement. The main level includes a den, formal living and dining rooms and a large family room, as well as one of its most inviting and popular roomsùthe kitchen.
The master suite shares the upstairs with three secondary bedrooms, two of which extend out over an angled, three-car garage.
"This particular home has brought us a lot of new business," says Lois. "Bozeman is a relatively tight housing market, and not all builders in this area are busy. But clients are literally knocking down our door."
| The second-floor balcony (below) offers a dramatic vista of the homeÆs foyer and formal living room. The box beams were fabricated on-site. The homeÆs interior is designed to resemble a true timber-framed house, says builder Jim Syth. The wood flooring is wire-brushed fir.
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The home is located in one of BozemanÆs most exclusive developments, Triple Tree Ranch and has an estimated value of $1 million.
Features
Builder: Bridger Builders, Bozeman, Mont.
Architect: Troy Clymer, AIA, Architects Northwest, Woodinville, Wash.
Interior Design: Lois Syth, IDS, Bozeman, Mont.
Custom Area Rugs: Mike Haglund, Custom Rug Creations, Bozeman, Mont.
Major Products Used:
Appliances: GE Monogram Series
Cabinetry: Custom, Western Millwork
Countertops: Formica
Interior Doors: Simpson
Front Door: Craftsmen in Wood
Exterior Finish: Masonite Supersiding; Miratec Trim; Cedar Shingles
Fireplaces: Heatilator
Flooring: Wood; Mannington; Gullistan Mason
Home Controls/Automation: Honeywell Perfect Climate comfort center control system
HVAC: Heil
Lighting: Custom, Juliann Originals; Kalco
Paint: Sherwin Williams
Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler
Roofing: GAF Timberline
Windows: Weather Shield
Decking: Trex
Exterior Stone: Cultured Stone
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