This stunning Grant Creek Residence is nestled into a wooded hillside on a seven-acre property just outside Missoula, Montana. Designed by Heliotrope Architects for an active young family, the house is a wood frame, cedar clad building oriented to minimize exposure to inclement weather from the north and maximize solar gain and views south across a larch covered hillside. A single, continuous copper shed roof shelters the 6,000 square foot building. Primary living spaces are located on the upper floor with sleeping, recreation and service functions below, partially submerged below grade, and open towards the creek, the pool and the spa. An open plan and ample natural light nurtures the modern family lifestyle through all seasons. A “tatami-box” inserted into the living room re-conceives the dining experience and pays homage to the client’s period of residence in Japan.

Photos: Lara Swimmer