Cushing Terrell designed the Confluence House near Whitefish, Montana, as a modern retreat for a family and their friends. Influenced by the geophysics of the location, the home’s design aims to add to the natural surroundings rather than detract. The flat-roofed house rests on ten lush acres where two rivers join together and mountains form the picturesque scenery.
The home comprises three volumes that are laid out in a triangular form. A utility structure houses the garage and wood shop while helping to protect the other two structures from the road. The two living volumes consist of a 2,282-square-foot main house and a 946-square-foot guest house. A central outdoor courtyard exists in the middle of the three forms as a private sanctuary.
The utility structure is topped with a solar PV system to power the residence. Reminiscent of the surrounding landscape, native, drought-tolerant plants furnish the courtyard, which also includes a stream bed that collects rainwater from scuppers on the roof.
The main living structure features a master suite, kitchen, dining room, living room, study, piano room, mudroom, and pantry, while the guest house offers two bedroom suites. A covered patio joins the two while creating privacy when guests are visiting.
Photos by Karl Neumann.
