Cabins, even those in Montana, aren't just for cowboys anymore.
Big Sky Journal's "The New Montana Cabin: Contemporary Approaches to the Traditional Western Retreat" shows us cabins of a range of style and size but starts with a little history. Cabins on the American frontier were originally meant as temporary housing, to shelter the pioneers before they headed farther West or until more substanial homes could go up.
But it wasn't too long until they became all-American--Abe Lincoln cited his log cabin upbringing while running for office and wanting to stake his claim to representing the common man. In the early days on the frontier, the cabins were crude, hewn from log cabins or other available material but it's main function was pure utilitarian shelter. But they changed fairly quickly as the country began to industrialize, bringing new building possibilities to the homes.
Montana cabins have long left behind the utilitarian model, for the most part. They mostly make the most of their location, as all good real estate does, no matter what their structure or material: some are sod-roof houses, handmade log cabins, steep-gabled cottages, cobbled-together utility buildings and barns. It's not that history is forgotten in the modern architecture; it has simply morphed over time to match more tastes and uses.
The book examines cabins it identifies this way:
Retro cozy
Double D ranch
Canyon respite
Barn
Springhill hideout
Big Sky cabin
Cow camp
Vintage charm
Rough and refined
Modern homestead
Micro cabins
The homes are, in fact, so different, that it seems hard to classify them all as cabins.
Virtually all of these cabins have great visual appeal. My favorite is the barn. Topped by a cupola, the building is a traditional red barn now in the Gallatin Valley but rescued from demolition from Paradise Valley. Inside, wooden beams cross the open living room; a soapstone masonry heater is at the center of the home. The hayloft has been converted into bedroom space, with corrugated metal and reclaimed barn wood serving as room dividers. The feel of the entire home is open and welcoming, the reclaimed materials adding authenticity and a sense of history.
Surrounded by juniper and cypress trees, a home described as rough and refined sits in the hills of Paradise Valley, high in the hills with a range of mountains seeming within reach. The book notes that the house has “authentic ties to rich extraction industries.” The buildings look extremely weathered, adding to their charm; inside, there’s a more modern approach, with wood, metal, concrete and stone providing a mix of styles, including some Asian influences. Pieces by Indian artists hang on the walls.
Micro cabins make their own little mark. Charles Finn has built a number of tiny cabins, using recycled materials. The cabins are as small as 9.5 feet long and serve as shelter, spare rooms, workspaces and offices. The structures maintain an authentic architectural feel. Some have covered porches; others have decks. The small size encourages owners to spend more time outdoors, which is the point of the entire book—enjoy the Big Sky, the outdoor scenery and the presence of nature.
This book has dozens of photos showing the both insides and outsides of buildings but are especially good at showing just why the state is called Big Sky country. It's a nice look at an architecture most of us don't bump into every day.
Recommended: Yes
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