knollhaus/

Perched atop a rocky outcropping above Montana’s Flathead Lake, Knoll Haus is conceived not as an imposition on the landscape, but as a natural extension of it. The goal was never to build on the knoll, but to build with it. The resulting diagram relies on a carefully ‘kinked’ bar parti that traces the topographical lines and logical buildable area, anchoring itself while embracing the site’s natural characteristics. The ultimate design goal is one of informed simplicity with a regional identity.

A collaboration between Mark Dailey and Jordan Onley / do. architecture

General Contractor: TCG Construction

The architecture is complementary to this place; from a distance, or at dusk, the silhouette and simple rooflines allow the home to become part of the landscape, similar to a cluster of pines or a natural rock outcropping. At dawn, or when the lights come on, the house awakens, establishing a quiet presence - becoming a part of the knoll.

An important moment happens in the plan diagram’s ‘kink’, becoming the main entry and open breezeway. By deliberately breaking the structure here, the design creates a transitional aperture - intentionally creating a sense of compression and decision of entry. This includes entry into either the main house or guest structure, or taking in the unobstructed, ‘framed’ views of Flathead Lake and the Mission and Swan mountain ranges to the east.

While intentionally simple and efficient, the design tells a story shaped by this unique region within a modern language. Characteristics include shed roofs inspired by Montana’s hardworking agrarian forms, weathering steel siding that patinas to the rust color of ponderosa pine bark, alongside honest unfinished structural steel frames and cedar siding. The play of carved solid forms with large glass areas provides rich contrast, abundant views, and natural daylight. The result is a quiet architectural voice where the built structure tips its hat gracefully to the wild natural landscape.