Once Upon a Time in the West

By Editorial Staff - 1 April 2025

Nestled in the snowy landscape of Montana, Cowboy Heaven blends seamlessly with its surroundings in a perfect balance between architecture and nature. Designed by O’Neill Rose Architects, the property occupies a narrow, steep site at an elevation of 2,560 m.
It was conceived as a cozy retreat for family and friends, and a place to reconnect with nature.

Externally and set out from the building envelope, the home features lattices inspired by the traditional snow fences of the American West. Made of wood charred using the ancient Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban, these elements give the house a clear esthetic identity while providing the external walls with durable, weather-resistant protection. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows bring views to every corner of the home, establishing an ongoing dialogue with nature. Period furniture, decorative lamps, and rugs add a personal touch, bringing warmth and a sense of intimacy to each space.

C’era una volta il West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy O’Neill Rose Architects Il soffitto scultoreo in gesso che sovrasta la zona giorno appare sospeso come un cumulo di neve rovesciato. I pavimenti in pietra riprendono lo stesso granito chiaro presente all’esterno. Diversi gli elementi su misura, dai mobili in legno di frassino all'impianto di altoparlanti integrato nella parete blu petrolio.

A geothermal heating system stores heat in a sustainable, natural way to combat Montana’s harsh winter temperatures. The interior design also conveys a feeling of warmth, with the serenity of a mountain refuge captured in every space with a simple color palette that matches the tones of the exposed materials.

Following the slope of its steep site, the home is on three levels, each responding to the different needs of mountain life. The main living spaces feature fluted ash millwork that recalls the surrounding landscape, while sculptural plaster ceilings seem to hang like upside-down snowdrifts. Emphasizing the continuity between inside and out, interior stone flooring echoes the same pale white granite used outside.

C’era una volta il West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy O’Neill Rose Architects La residenza si integra con l’ambiente del Montana in un perfetto equilibrio tra architettura e natura, che viene ribadito in ogni stanza della casa.

On the partially underground lower floor, there are entertainment areas, with a billiards table, and a comfortable sofa that invites conversation and interaction. To bring extra brightness and warmth to this area, the walls, floors, and cabinets are all ash, whose character is further accentuated by a white linseed oil finish. The same material was chosen for the bunk beds in the mezzanine bedroom, which can sleep up to ten people in a convivial setting. On the upper floor, however, the spaces are more intimate and designed to promote rest and reflection. Here, a custom-made bookcase and small desk in the bedroom provide a peaceful space for meditation and reading, surrounded by picturesque views of the landscape.

Finally, nestled between the snow and the surrounding mountains on the terrace, a hot tub offers a place to relax and admire the views, while immersed in the pleasant contrast between the warm water and freezing air.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | Crafted using the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban, charred wood lattices give the house a distinct esthetic identity while protecting the façades.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | The sculptural plaster ceiling above the living area resembles an upside-down snowdrift. The stone floors are the same light granite used for the exterior paving. The project features several custom-made elements, from ash wood furniture to the speaker system integrated into the petrol blue wall.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | The full-height windows offer unobstructed views of nature. Defined by a subtle color palette, the furniture, lamps, and rugs fill the space with a sense of warmth and intimacy.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | On the terrace, the hot tub blends into the snowy landscape, creating a delightful contrast between the hot water and the cold air.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | Set between two expansive windows, the copper soaking tub is a place for relaxing and taking in the mountain views.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | The residence integrates seamlessly with the Montana landscape, with every room achieving an ideal balance between architecture and nature.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | A custom-made bookshelf and small desk in the bedroom create a peaceful corner that invites meditation and reading.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | The bedrooms are ideal for rest and rejuvenation. Comfortable bunk beds with warm woolen blankets and soft pillows evoke the mood of a cozy mountain retreat.

Once Upon a Time in the West | © Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects | The partially underground level of the home hosts entertainment and leisure spaces, with a large sofa that encourages conversation.

Location: Big Sky, Montana, USA
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 836 m²
Architect and Interior Designer: O’Neill Rose Architects
Main Contractor: OSM Construction

Consultants
Landscape: Beth MacFawn Landscape Design
Structural: Hicks Engineering
Mechanical: Energy1
Furniture: Chora

Photography: Matthew Millman, courtesy of O’Neill Rose Architects

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