Kiwi House

Montana and New Zealand share the DNA of breathtaking mountains and pristine water. The Owners of the Kiwi House share a love of both places and sought a residence that supports an active lifestyle, is about minimum size & maintenance, and maximum quality; the Kiwi House claims only 823 square feet of land. Organized by the primal element of fire, the house looks to the sun, and gathers around a hearth, to create a solution that is energy efficient and comfortable. The house is constructed on a bustling urban infill site; in response, exterior public-facing walls are constructed of carefully detailed Montana stone, while other walls are clad with reclaimed redwood and metal. Small floor area, super-insulated construction and photovoltaic panels beget budget-friendly utility bills and actually feed the grid when the owners are away in the Southern Hemisphere enjoying New Zealand.

• Client: Steve & Julie Shea