VanDeWalle Residence and Studio

Address: 408 North Plum Avenue, NE side of Bozeman, Montana.

Owner: Kenneth J and Kristin VanDeWalle

Architect: Kenneth J VanDeWalle, Architect, AIA Inc.

"We wanted a home that was true to it's materials, design and most importantly, to our families' life style and health. We accomplished that. And with that, a sustainable, healthy, low maintenance home was created."

Design:

Contemporary with industrial influences in structure, form and materials.
Reflect the clerestory of factories and the curved roof & bow trusses on industrial buildings.
Following the idea through completion. The theme is industrial contemporary, with constant reinforcement of the theme throughout the design, yet bringing variation to the idea throughout.
Siting:

NE side of Bozeman, corner of Fridley St. and Plum Ave. Began with an empty lot.
Located in the Conservation Overlay District – mixed industrial and residential.
Very old and eclectic neighborhood where everyone knows each other by name.
Uniquely Urban Rural: Very close to downtown, yet few streetlights, sidewalks, and some dirt roads.
Interior Concept: The focus is within. Spaces are connected both vertically and horizontally creating views within the home; making a small space feel larger. Being in a dense neighborhood natural lighting was approached differently. The window and skylight composition take into consideration privacy, controlled views of mountains, trees and sky, summer sun and winter sun, morning light and evening light, as well as, air circulation for nighttime flushing.

Exterior Concept: Forms and shapes of exterior are carried into the interior. The landscaping creates defined exterior spaces with tree placement, fences, and retaining walls. The layering process buffers public spaces from private spaces in an urban setting.

Material Usage: Constant emphasis on the inherent characteristics of the materials - that is, not asking a material to do something it’s not capable of doing.

Hand of the Craftsman:The two buildings and all furnishings, fixtures and structural details are custom designed and fabricated by the owner / architect with an industrial craftsmanship style, expressing contemporary forms and ideas. Items include bar stools, dining table with booth seating, built-in cabinets and furnishings, various interior and exterior sculptural doors, Numerous fixtures throughout interiors were custom designed, including bathroom accessories, and candle supports throughout structure.

Artwork: Woodcuts throughout the house and studio are by Adair Peck of Bozeman. Pastels are by Faye Peck.

Automated Lighting System: The ‘Dance of Light’ is by Home Automation Unlimited of Bozeman. The system creates drama, yet simplicity and efficiency of use.

Structural System: Concrete post and beam system with steel bow trusses and a wood diaphragm roof system to form the parabolic curves.

Mechanical System: Radiant heat concrete slab. Prepped for solar thermal panels to supply domestic hot water

Recycled Materials: Wall system - Rastra/CEMPO Block are made of recycled Styrofoam and Portland cement. Rafters and Beams - Old growth Douglas Fir from warehouses on the West Coast. Spiral roofing - Shakes are composed of wood chips and recycled vinyl from the surgical glove industry. All kitchen cabinets and counters are of reclaimed Douglas Fir and Soapstone.

Domestic Resourcing: A constant emphasis throughout the project to find materials manufactured in the U.S.