RIVER VIEW RESIDENCE

Originally constructed in the mid 1980s, the river view residence is perched on a steep hillside high above the Clark Fork River with extensive views of the Missoula valley and Rattlesnake mountains. Despite the prime location and some renovations over the years, the home felt dated, and needed updates to the roof, siding, windows and decks, as well as a more functional main living level.

New living spaces were not the focus of the project, but the existing main floor living area windows were too small, and the dated sunken living room made for an awkward furniture arrangement which did not take advantage of the living space.

New 12 ft wide floor to ceiling glass doors replace the small windows, bringing generous light and views deep into the great room. The sunken living room was eliminated to create a free flowing and contemporary space that received new wood floors, a plaster fireplace, and updated finishes and lighting. The kitchen is entirely new and features custom walnut cabinets by BA woodworks. A small and functional mudroom rounds out the renovations.

Outside, a new standing seam metal roof, including additional insulation installed over the poorly insulated vaulted roof, as well as refinished and updated siding gives the house a fresh look outside without significantly altering the building form. On the view side of the house a rebuilt and expanded terrace and deck featuring custom steel railings replaced the existing, small, (and sketchy) 3rd story deck. A new custom steel exterior stair connects the deck to the back yard at grade patio where a repurposed riblet double chair porch swing and hot tub overlook the river bottoms.