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Pro Spotlight: Get a Home for the Montana Lifestyle
A Bozeman architect shares how to enjoy the state’s fresh air and natural beauty year-round
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Who: Van Bryan
Where: Bozeman, Montana
In his own words: “In Montana, outdoor spaces are wholly integral to indoor spaces.”
Nicknamed Big Sky Country, Montana is known for its diverse, rugged landscape and arresting vistas. “People come to Montana to be outside,” says Van Bryan, the principal at and owner of Van Bryan Studio Architects in Bozeman. He and fellow architect Leah Shute design homes that help people live the Montana outdoor lifestyle to the fullest. “A home’s design should extend past its exterior wall into incredible auxiliary spaces,” Bryan says.
Where: Bozeman, Montana
In his own words: “In Montana, outdoor spaces are wholly integral to indoor spaces.”
Nicknamed Big Sky Country, Montana is known for its diverse, rugged landscape and arresting vistas. “People come to Montana to be outside,” says Van Bryan, the principal at and owner of Van Bryan Studio Architects in Bozeman. He and fellow architect Leah Shute design homes that help people live the Montana outdoor lifestyle to the fullest. “A home’s design should extend past its exterior wall into incredible auxiliary spaces,” Bryan says.
Early influences. Bryan traveled with his grandparents when he was young, visiting their homes around the United States and abroad. These trips piqued his curiosity for new experiences. As a teenager, he spent years working on his family’s ranch in Montana experimenting with various construction projects. “I enjoyed the creative process,” he says. “I decided to pursue my interest in architecture at Montana State University.”
For the human spirit. According to Bryan, good architecture is not necessarily about using expensive materials, such as granite countertops and reclaimed wood. “It’s about making the home a sanctuary for the human spirit,” he says. “It’s about space, light and emotion.” He believes a home should be a place where you go to feel safe and rejuvenated.
Grab a blanket and some s’mores and read Bryan’s tips below for savoring Montana’s natural splendor no matter what the weather is.
Grab a blanket and some s’mores and read Bryan’s tips below for savoring Montana’s natural splendor no matter what the weather is.
1. Consider the Elements
Pay attention to sun and wind exposure so you can build a snug outdoor space for all seasons. “You can get into a sunny spot out of the wind on a 35-degree day and be very comfortable, even with Montana’s six months of winter and nine months of gusts,” Bryan says.
For example, the patio at the ski-in Big Sky home seen here faces slightly southwest, so the clients can soak up the afternoon sun protected from northerly winds. Bryan also added various covered porches, a built-in barbecue and an outdoor kitchen to create a cozy environment the family can use all year.
See more of this project
Pay attention to sun and wind exposure so you can build a snug outdoor space for all seasons. “You can get into a sunny spot out of the wind on a 35-degree day and be very comfortable, even with Montana’s six months of winter and nine months of gusts,” Bryan says.
For example, the patio at the ski-in Big Sky home seen here faces slightly southwest, so the clients can soak up the afternoon sun protected from northerly winds. Bryan also added various covered porches, a built-in barbecue and an outdoor kitchen to create a cozy environment the family can use all year.
See more of this project
2. Design for the View
“Dissolve the line between inside and outside,” Bryan recommends. He suggests installing expansive glass windows with lines that blend into natural wood frames. “We’re usually blessed with impressive views in Montana, so a home’s architecture should complement that and set the stage,” he says. “It would be a deep disturbance not to pay attention to nature’s cues.”
Bozeman clients were blessed with views of rolling hills and wanted to do them justice. Bryan created a wall of windows — keeping solid elements to a minimum — to frame the stunning scenery. “We wanted to keep it as open as possible,” he says. He also extended the interior ceiling out to the deck: “It draws the eye outside and breaks down the illusion of separate spaces.”
See more of this project
“Dissolve the line between inside and outside,” Bryan recommends. He suggests installing expansive glass windows with lines that blend into natural wood frames. “We’re usually blessed with impressive views in Montana, so a home’s architecture should complement that and set the stage,” he says. “It would be a deep disturbance not to pay attention to nature’s cues.”
Bozeman clients were blessed with views of rolling hills and wanted to do them justice. Bryan created a wall of windows — keeping solid elements to a minimum — to frame the stunning scenery. “We wanted to keep it as open as possible,” he says. He also extended the interior ceiling out to the deck: “It draws the eye outside and breaks down the illusion of separate spaces.”
See more of this project
3. Turn Up the Heat
Exterior heat sources are key to an all-seasons outdoor space. “Fire makes things compelling and inviting; it makes you want to be outside in the evening,” Bryan says. He suggests adding radiant heat in an overhang in addition to a fireplace for more warmth.
Two families share the vacation home near Ennis seen here and were looking to enjoy the Montana experience. “They wanted space where they could be outside together,” Bryan says. He put in multiple fireplaces and radiant heaters so they could enjoy a snug spot — and the view of the Spanish Peaks — even in midwinter.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Van Bryan and Leah Shute and examples of their work, visit Van Bryan Studio Architects’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Exterior heat sources are key to an all-seasons outdoor space. “Fire makes things compelling and inviting; it makes you want to be outside in the evening,” Bryan says. He suggests adding radiant heat in an overhang in addition to a fireplace for more warmth.
Two families share the vacation home near Ennis seen here and were looking to enjoy the Montana experience. “They wanted space where they could be outside together,” Bryan says. He put in multiple fireplaces and radiant heaters so they could enjoy a snug spot — and the view of the Spanish Peaks — even in midwinter.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Van Bryan and Leah Shute and examples of their work, visit Van Bryan Studio Architects’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Leggi Tutto
Visiting Montana now and really appreciate architecture of this home and the beautiful views that MUST be taken advantage of. Love it!