Shadowbox Takes Design Cues from Glacier National Park
Shadowbox is a mountain house in Whitefish, United States, designed by The Ranch Mine and completed in 2024. The structure, clad in black metal siding, reflects nearby Rocky Mountains and pine tree bark. Inside, a wood-clad recessed entry leads to the great room with 25-foot ceilings, surrounded by windows for natural light. The design incorporates fire-resistant features to withstand the Wildfire-Urban Interface environment.
![A modern, angular black structure nestled in a snowy forest, with tall pine trees surrounding it.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/001-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
Near the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana, an hour south of the Canadian border lies the city of Whitefish, Montana. The area is known for the bountiful pine trees, the crystal clear rivers and lakes, and of course the towering mountains and awe inspiring glaciers.
![A modern, minimalist living room with large black-framed windows showcasing a serene forest view.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/002-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
Shadowbox was designed by Montana Architect Cavin Costello of The Ranch Mine to be a sanctuary where modern luxury meets natural splendor, offering a one of a kind retreat in the heart of Montana’s wilderness.
![Spacious open-concept living area with large windows, wooden accents, and modern decor.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/003-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
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The Facade Features Alternating Rib Patterns
Inspired by the crisscrossing mountains that form the nearby glacial valleys of Glacier National Park, Shadowbox’s silhouette captures the essence of these timeless marvels.
![Modern kitchen with black cabinetry, wood accents, and large windows offering scenic views.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/004-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
The exterior is clad in black standing seam metal siding, with different rib patterns alternating along the elevation, echoing the differing ridges and furrows of the surrounding pine tree bark. The black color mirrors the shadows cast by the surrounding forest, offering a striking contrast against the verdant landscape.
The only break in the elevations is for the recessed entry and covered patio. The recessed entry, clad in inviting warm hemlock, serves as a clear indication of where to enter the home and provides shelter from the snow and rain.
![Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framing lush forest views, sophisticated black and wood tones.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/005-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
The Covered Patio Also Features a Sauna
The covered patio contains the sauna, fire pit, and sunken hot tub. Whether enjoying the framed view of the forest in the sauna or stargazing by the fire pit or in the hot tub beneath the Montana sky, every moment was designed as an opportunity to commune with nature.
![Spacious dining area with wooden table and bench, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a scenic forest view.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/006-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
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The property is in the Wildfire-Urban Interface, or WUI, a term used for areas that experience wildfires. Specific attention was taken in the design to harden the structure and reduce the threat by creating defensible space around the house in the landscape, using a Class A metal roof assembly that are effective against severe fires, non-combustible metal siding, WUI compliant decking, and significantly reducing exterior vents and other common fire prone building elements.
![Modern bedroom with minimalist bunk beds, large windows, and sleek black accents.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/007-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
Shadowbox has a Great Room With 25-foot Ceilings
On the interior of the home, the great room ceiling soars to over 25 feet (7.6 metres) tall and has windows on all sides for ample natural light and to take in the majesty of the surrounding pine trees and landscape, creating an almost snow globe like effect in the winter. Two ensuite bedrooms plus two bunk rooms provide plenty of room for the client’s family and guests to rest after a day exploring all that Northwest Montana has to offer.
![Minimalist bedroom design with high ceilings, large window, and nature-inspired artwork.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/008-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
![Cozy cabin bedroom with large windows overlooking a lush forest landscape.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/009-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
![A modern bathroom with a double vanity, black fittings, and a large mirror framed in black.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/010-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
![A minimalist bathroom with a concrete soaking tub, black faucet, and mountain views through the window.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/011-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x613.jpg)
![A modern black wooden cabin nestled in a snowy forest, featuring a warm wooden entrance.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/014-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
![A stark black structure with large windows nestled in a snowy forest landscape.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/015-shadowbox-takes-design-cues-from-glacier-national-park-460x345.jpg)
Photography by Dan Ryan Studio
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