Take a view through the trees in this studio located in the heart of Bozeman, Montana
Project
Treehouse Studio
Location
Bozeman, Montana
Size
800 sq. ft.
Year
2013
Site-specific design
An infill project located on the south side of town that had the opportunity to re-use an existing garage at the rear of the property. The large east facing deck with wood column details provide a place to view the neighborhood and enjoy the morning sun with a cup of coffee all year round. Nesteled into the trees on the south, the trees provide shade in the summer and a place to commune with the birds and squirrels.
Client goals and house design mission
As a personal project, my husband and I had goals to create a creative space for work, art and overflow for guests. I also had a desire to showcase my personal architecture aesthetic both on the exterior and interior of the project. As a green home design specialist, my design mission was to create a flexible space utilizing sustainable building practices and natural material choices. As a husband and wife team we prized creativity and flexibility.
Execution of design
Re-use of the existing foundation footprint and lower level walls set the parameters of the floor plan. I utilized an open plan that included a work space for myself, a dark-room and art space for my photographer husband, and a kitchenette and bathroom for flexibility of use now and in the future. The modern style of the shed roof is softened with use of natural wood, stucco and features that break up the tall side massing . This included a deck, metal stair and column features. A Scandinavian style interior that is simple and light filled with natural materials of reclaimed wood and hickory floors.
The perfect green home—for us
Our choice in a green studio design focused on high r-value and tight thermal envelope, use of the sun for passive solar, natural day-lighting and ventilation and environmentally friendly, durable, low carbon materials.
Sustainable Home Design Features
Passive solar analysis & design
Window system design for passive solar, cross ventilation, framing of views
8” SIPs panels (structurally insulated panels) on upper level
4″ rigid insulation at the existing foundation perimeter
Reuse of the foundation and lower walls with added spray urethane insulation
High efficiency electric hot water and boiler with radiant heat
Heat Recovery Ventilator
4-kilowatt Photovoltaic System
I-81 Glass-Sierra Pacific Windows & Doors
Air sealing and thermal inspection
Green Interior Products include Eco-Matrix concrete bar (fly-ash & recycled glass), bamboo plywood built-ins, American Clay wall treatments, sustainably harvested hickery floors.
Green Exterior Products include natural wood soffits, stucco, windows from a manufacturer using sustainable wood harvesting practices.
Acknowledgements
Builder
Mark Geisler
& Tammy Minge
Photographer
HJ Schmidt