Olson Kundig Architects has created a stunning lakefront house on Whitefish Lake, Montana, that feels rooted in the traditions of lake living. The house is oriented in parallel to the lake, with views to nearby ski trails and the peaks of Glacier National Park, Montana.
The home’s driveway descends a tree-lined slope to arrive at concrete and steel forms nestled into the hillside. The entry pathway is framed by the main house and garage, leading to a Dutch door made of reclaimed barnwood.
The lakefront home puts the setting first, with the central living spaces angled to frame Whitefish Lake and Glacier National Park without competing with the scenery. The material palette of board-formed concrete, reclaimed fir and oak, and dark steel feels authentic to its Montana setting.
Clever details, such as the kinetic hot tub cover that transforms into extra seating, add both function and livability, making this home as practical as it is beautiful. The kinetic elements open the interior to a generous outdoor deck, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
Inside, the home’s central volume evokes the hull of a boat, with exposed fir timbers intersecting a 60-foot-long skylight. A wall of east-facing windows overlooks the water, providing stunning views of the lake.
The main living space includes a lounge at the home’s northern edge, distinguished by a double-sided, board-formed concrete fireplace. An adjoining bar is anchored by an oval, reclaimed oak counter, while two dark steel-clad columns provide visual separation from the kitchen.
A kitchen that opens fully to the outdoors, with an awning window and a 16-foot-long glazed wall that slides open, allowing activity to flow easily outdoors. This design creates a sense of continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, much like a rustic cabin on a river.
A barn door separates the more public areas from the owner’s suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows capture head-on views of the lake and mountains. This view continues in the owner’s bathroom, punctuated by vanities and mirrors that float before the glass.
Between the owner’s bedroom suite and guest house, a covered porch and breezeway frame views to a small, forested island and provide a protected gathering space out of the elements. A hot tub at the edge of the deck creates an additional four-season experience of the setting.
The house’s design allows it to blend into its surroundings, creating a sense of harmony between the built and natural environments. This is particularly important in a location like Whitefish Lake, where the natural beauty of the area is a major draw.
They included a bunkhouse set within the hillside, which includes a rec room and additional suites for visiting family and friends, with a private courtyard at ground level and views of the lake and mountains beyond.
It provides a flexible and functional space for entertaining and relaxation, demonstrating the importance of proper ventilation, as outlined in the installation of a roof vent.
The site plan of the lakefront house shows a thoughtful and intentional design, with each element carefully considered to create a sense of flow and continuity.
The result is a beautiful and functional home.
