SCULPTURAL LIVING
An architect’s Montana home showcases recycled materials, energy-saving devices, and handcrafted structural details
Nestled near the Bridger Mountains, the VanDeWalle home blends
in seamlessly with its surroundings. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersThe great
room is modest in size, but soars to the sky. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersAn efficient kitchen features several work areas. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersThe boys’ craft-and-homework area on the
second floor overlooks the great room. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersKen Van DeWalle stands at the entrance dividing
his home and workshop. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersA cozy breakfast nook is also where meals are
planned and cookbooks perused. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersA quiet, cork-floor spiral staircase nods to the natural curves of a seashell. Photo By:
Shelly SaundersNuts and Bolts:
Architect VanDeWalle believes in the beauty and
integrity of building materials, so he leaves details
such as the support system, above, in plain view. Photo By:
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“We were designing eco-friendly homes before green was green,” says Ken, referring to the focus on recycled materials, solar panels (for domestic water use) and his passion for reducing energy waste. “We like to let the materials lead us,” says Ken. Like his master, Louis Kahn, Ken appreciates buildings that neither disguise their weight, materials or the way the structure is assembled.
Throughout the house, there are very few decorative elements: No tassels, no swags, no fringe, no knick-knacks, trinkets or patterned rugs. There are a few pillows here and there for comfort, and some simple sheer window treatments as needed to keep out excessive heat from Montana’s afternoon summer sun. There are a few decorative elements, however, that are present throughout: Built-in recycled steel candlesticks and vases, designed and fabricated by Ken, and installed at well-conceived locations to act as both structure and decor. They are visible, for all to see and enjoy.
  
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Functional Innovation
Posted By Ron on May 27, 2009
This article is a testimonial not only to the individual it focuses on but to the creative and descriptive style of the author. It provides for fast yet informative text without getting bogged down in the terminology of the trade. The architects' philosophy certainly is displayed in the design and character of his home and work space. The results are both innovative and intriguing. His emphasis on the recycled and reusable certainly enhance those results and should help to make him more likely to succeed in todays market. I thoroughly enjoyed the article and if I were ever in need of any architectural services, he would certainly be someone I would be interested in talking with.
Functional Innovation