This dreamy mountain retreat, the “Great Northern Lodge,” was exceptionally designed by Centre Sky Architecture in Whitefish, Montana. Ideally positioned near the U.S.’s most breathtaking national park, Glacier National Park, the lodge was designed and constructed with timelessness and grandeur, a quality rarely seen in today’s fast-paced construction. The lodge is high on a mountain, offering sweeping 360-degree views over Whitefish and Beaver Lakes. The solid stacked masonry constructed for Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park inspired the design.
The overall aesthetic uniquely exemplifies Parkitecture style masonry. The homeowner committed to quality at the beginning of the project, wishing to use stone as the dominant material element. The stone selection was to be an indigenous stone that replicated the unique, maroon-colored Sperry Chalet stone, accompanied by a masculine scale. A local quarry was opened specifically for the construction of this lodge, located near the project site. Since it was not a regular stone type, the design team named the stone ‘Sperry Stone’ after the Sperry Chalet.
Description:
“The architects extended their commitment to masonry construction beyond finished wall material. They predominantly constructed the building’s structure with an innovative and sustainable product called ‘Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.’ This cementitious material is lightweight and waterproof to fire and water damage. It will contribute to the longevity of the building’s structure.”
The architects sourced windows, timbers, and roofing materials to complement the massive structure. They chose windows with oversized frames that require no maintenance. The design team sourced Aztec pitted rubbed bronze windows from Venice, Italy. The timber design was important, allowing the material to soften the stone walls and floors. Montana Reclaimed Lumber was selected to help procure the hand-hewn white oak, and Centennial Timber Frames constructed the systems.
The design team chose Vermont slate as the roofing material but didn’t use the conventional option. They opted for huge slate tiles, with an average size of 30″ x 36″ and a thickness of 3/4″ inch, making them more suitable for a stone patio. The team created a stunning architectural masterpiece by integrating most of the residence’s square footage into the existing topography, as seen in one of the aerial images towards the end of this article.
The Centre Sky Architecture architects have made the following statement about this exceptional project: “Great Northern Lodge incorporates centuries of gained knowledge on masonry construction with modern design and construction capabilities and will stand as one of northern Montana’s most distinguished structures for centuries to come.”
What We Love:
Great Northern Lodge is an exceptional piece of architecture, uniquely designed into its topography. Clad in stone and timber, the home offers a warm, welcoming, alluring atmosphere. We love the craftsmanship and meticulous details showcased throughout this home. The rocky outcroppings on the site seem to meld into this home, making the home appear as an extension of the property. Overall, the design is breathtaking. Readers, would you agree? Is there anything you would like to have seen done differently?
The Centre Sky Architecture incorporated an existing outcropping into the structure, forming one of the walls and roof of a tunneled staircase. The staircase leads to an office tower set atop the building, which offers incredible views of the architecture and surroundings.
The design team integrated an existing rock outcropping into the arched entryway of the auto courtyard, using it as a natural gateway to the site. They left the natural feature intact and seamlessly merged it with the structure, creating a unique and stunning entrance.
The structure deeply integrates the lodge into the site, blending rocky outcroppings into the design. A green roof further strengthens the connection with the landscape.
The designers incorporated rock outcroppings into the structure at several patio locations, seamlessly melding them into the building’s walls.
Photos by: Gibeon Photography / Gravity Shots
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