A small Modern Home located in the heart of Bozeman, Montana.
Project
Black House Art Studio
Location
Bozeman, Montana
Size
1900 sq. ft.
Year
2020
Infill Design
As an infill project on the north side of town and located near smaller sized work-force housing homes, there was good reason to keep the home small and simple in design. Echoing the scale of the surrounding homes and sensitivity to the existing neighborhood context were important considerations in the design. In the siting of this home we took advantage of the available south sun for passive solar and provided a welcoming porch to connect with the neighborhood.
Client goals and house design mission
The client wanted a cozy and modern style home for himself and a large light filled studio to be creative in. It was important to him to create a place to connect with neighbors and entertain and cook for his friends and family. Other important occupants he wanted considered in the design were his rescue dogs. The house design mission was one of keeping the design small, simple and contextual in form and providing separation of living/entertainment spaces from the creative/work space.
Execution of design
The design utilizes a front of house and back of house concept that allows for ample south sun and passive solar into both the living space (front) and the studio (back). With a goal of coming in around 1900 square feet for the entire project, efficiency in the plan was key. The result is a two bedroom, two bathroom home with an open living space and a 400 square foot connected studio. The kitchen, island and deck are the central features both in location and in function. Oh, and I didn’t forget the dogs, with a dog height viewing window to the street, a window daybed and dog-door to a secure yard.
The perfect green home—for him
His choice in green home design focused on a small footprint, a tight and high r-value thermal envelope, use of the sun for passive solar heating, natural day-lighting including skylights in the studio, natural ventilation with durability and longevity in material choices.
Sustainable Home Design Features
Passive solar site design with sun awnings
Small home footprint with simple plan and exterior building form
Window system design for passive solar and cross ventilation
High R-value walls and roof (thermal envelope) and air sealing
Slab on grade with radiant heat for durability in the studio
High efficiency electric furnace for main house
Arctic heat pump/electric boiler combo for radiant floor
High quality/budget friendly vinyl windows & doors
4-kilowatt Photovoltaic System integrated with with the roof slope
Exterior Products include natural wood for soffits & decks and composite siding. Use of metal for low maintenance and longevity
Acknowledgements
Builder
Shahn Steele Corp.
Photographer
HJ Schmidt