Wren Residence – Missoula, MT construction start/ blog launched

Wren Residence - East Elevation

The Wren residence broke ground today in Missoula Montana after receiving its permit this morning. The home set on two in-city infill lots sits just a stones throw away from the the University of Montana. The home is designed to house a young active family while providing usable living space outdoors year round. With a harsh winter and sweltering summers Missoula’s climate is a study in contrasts. A serious of raised outdoor “living” rooms were designed to maximize the views of the surrounding hills, access winds during the hot summer months and provide shelter from the hard driving snows in the winter. The massing is broken into two distinct volumes connected by exterior and interior bridges and walkways. One volume houses the homes main functions of living/dining and sleeping. The second Southern volume is an artist studio, garage and accessory dwelling unit for visiting guests. Exterior materials include standing seam corten steel sheets, rain-screened reclaimed barn wood, corten operable panels to allow ventilation, and poured concrete walls. A major consideration in the Montana climate and in any other is energy efficiency. Over the next few months I will highlight some of the features and design techniques used to create the Wren Residence. A live webcam has been installed to track the construction process, watch and enjoy!

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