ANACONDA RESIDENCE
The Anaconda Residence is a custom retreat in Anaconda, MT, set against the rugged backdrop of a remote mountain hillside. Designed to negotiate a steep, sloping site, the home faces due south to capture sweeping views of the valley below. Having designed for extreme alpine environments, our team approached this site with a deep appreciation for its environmental demands. The result is a bold, two-story structure that anchors itself firmly to the hillside while projecting outward to embrace the panoramic Montana landscape.
The architectural language is one of structural clarity and shelter. Deep roof overhangs and expressed timber beams are engineered to handle heavy mountain snow loads—extreme weather conditions that dictated a carefully phased construction schedule. High-performance glazing along the southern facade captures the expansive valley views and leverages passive solar gain during the harsh winters. The material palette- featuring Shou Sugi Ban (charred wood) siding and warm exposed timber - was chosen to age gracefully alongside the surrounding pine forest, offering a striking, grounded contrast to the snow-covered landscape.
Inside, the floor plan is deliberately organized to capitalize on the sloping terrain. The primary living spaces and the primary suite are elevated on the upper level to maximize sightlines and natural light. Above the garage, a home office and gym overlook the primary massing, framing unobstructed views of the mountain peaks beyond. The lower level is set firmly into the hillside but daylights toward the yard, creating a grounded, intimate zone for guest rooms, an entertainment area, and a wine cellar. A continuous cantilevered balcony on the main level extends the living areas outward, blurring the threshold between the warm interior and the raw Montana wilderness. The result is a home that feels less like a structure placed upon the hill, and more like a permanent, quiet refuge deeply attuned to its remote setting.
PROJECT INFO
LOCATION
Anaconda, MT
ARCHITECTURE TEAM
Field Report Architecture
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Swenson Say Faget
CONTRACTOR
Blindheim
YEAR
2024-2026
STATUS
In Construction