Rustic Mountain Retreat Blends In Yet Stays Original

When studio Centre Sky Architecture was approached by their clients in order to design, plan and build a mountain cabin in Big Sky, Montana, the requirements were clear and simple and offered a lot of room for creative ideas.

The house had to be able to blend in by mimicking its neighbors, to maximize and take advantage of the orientation and sunlight and to include a large common area for family activities. After careful consideration, the architects decided to adopt the “business in the front and party in the back” approach, giving the house a simple and unassuming front facade and getting creative towards the rear of the property.

The massive stone fireplace is the focal point of the living room and the entire common area
The massive stone fireplace is the focal point of the living room and the entire common area
The living room, dining area and the kitchen form one large open space, ideal for entertaining and family activities
The living room, dining area and the kitchen form one large open space, ideal for entertaining and family activities
The kitchen features a huge island with a wide countertop which extends to form a bar on the opposite side
The kitchen features a huge island with a wide countertop which extends to form a bar on the opposite side
Colorful Western artwork adds color to the living spaces, adding a cheerful and modern touch to the decor
Colorful Western artwork adds color to the living spaces, adding a cheerful and modern touch to the decor
Large windows frame the wonderful panorama unfolding in the distance
Large windows frame the wonderful panorama unfolding in the distance
The upstairs volume houses the more private rooms of the house such as the bedrooms
The upstairs volume houses the more private rooms of the house such as the bedrooms
The blue color tones give this bedroom a relaxing and calming appearance
The blue color tones give this bedroom a relaxing and calming appearance

The cabin has an open layout with large gathering spaces and a fluid transition between the different rooms as well as between the indoor and outdoor areas. The living room is at the center, featuring a high ceiling and a stacked stone fireplace which actually matches the structure of the accent walls spread throughout the volume. Large windows let in gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and the combination of wood and stone featured in all the areas of the house including the rustic bathrooms add texture to the interior design and help create a welcoming and comfortable ambiance, the type of atmosphere one expects from a mountain retreat.

The master bathroom features a stone-clad accent wall and a walk-in shower with two entrances
The master bathroom features a stone-clad accent wall and a walk-in shower with two entrances
The color palette features throughout the cabin is mostly based on warm neutrals and earthy tones
The color palette features throughout the cabin is mostly based on warm neutrals and earthy tones
The combination of natural stone and marble tiles gives the walk-in shower a unique character
The combination of natural stone and marble tiles gives the walk-in shower a unique character
The kids' bedroom features built-in bunk beds which help maximize the floor space
The kids’ bedroom features built-in bunk beds which help maximize the floor space
The entryway features a special storage area for ski equipment
The entryway features a special storage area for ski equipment
The downstairs living area has its own fireplace as well as a wet bar
The downstairs living area has its own fireplace as well as a wet bar
An open balcony captures a wonderful view of the surrounding mountain landscape
An open balcony captures a wonderful view of the surrounding mountain landscape
The duality of the design suits this mountain retreat perfectly
The duality of the design suits this mountain retreat perfectly