This Olson Kundig–Designed Montana Home Climbs Into the Treetops

When Olson Kundig set out to design Cedar Peak House on a scenic Montana mountainside, the brief was clear: avoid the heavy, closed-off feel of a traditional ski chalet. The owners wanted a home that opened fully to the landscape, and the firm leaned into that idea from the outset.

That approach shapes the entire design. “Cedar Peak House embraces the rugged beauty of its setting while meeting the expectations of a high-touch, luxurious home,” says design principal Tom Kundig. Striking that balance between raw nature and refinement became the project’s central challenge.

Oriented south to capture sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and forest, the 6,754-square-foot residence sits at the base of Lone Peak within the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana—an ultra-private enclave known for its high-profile membership, including Tom Brady, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Eric Schmidt, Warren Buffett, and Justin Timberlake.

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Floor-to-ceiling glass in the living room brings mountain views into focus.

Aaron Leitz

Concrete, steel, and wood form the backbone of the structure, materials chosen to handle the elements while blending into the terrain. “Building in a mountain environment is always challenging, but Cedar Peak House required particular attention to technical details to ensure the home could withstand the rugged conditions,” Kundig says. Large expanses of glass keep the outdoors in constant view, so the house shifts with the light throughout the day.

The layout is straightforward and highly functional. A primary suite and three guest suites are paired with open living, dining, and kitchen spaces along the main level, while a mudroom, office, boot room, and gym support the rhythms of daily life—especially during ski season.

Custom furnishings introduce bold color and tactile textures throughout.

Aaron Leitz

Entry is through a bronze door set into a glass wall, immediately establishing a clear sightline straight through the house. A curved green marble bench extends from the exterior into the interior, subtly linking the two. Nearby, a blackened steel staircase with leather-wrapped treads spirals upward around a chandelier of cast-glass cylinders that shift and refract light as you move around it.

The main living level opens up above as a single, glass-lined space oriented to the mountains. Furniture helps define smaller zones within the openness, while a double-sided fireplace anchors the room. A hand-cranked panel conceals the television when not in use, keeping the focus on the landscape. Just off to the side, the kitchen is set apart with a lowered wood ceiling that brings a more intimate, relaxed feel, especially around the breakfast nook.

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A 60-foot glass bridge connects the main house to a dedicated sports facility.

Aaron Leitz

Private spaces take a quieter approach. The primary suite leans into softer tones and layered materials, creating a more secluded atmosphere. Elsewhere, a 60-foot enclosed glass bridge links the main house to an elevated ski hut tucked into the trees—both a practical connection and a defining architectural moment. As Tom Kundig notes, it acts as a threshold between the active, high-energy spaces for skiing and recreation and the more contained calm of the main residence.

There are also lighter and more vibrant touches throughout. A bright coral powder room breaks from the otherwise earthy palette, while sculptural furniture introduces movement and personality without disrupting the home’s overall restraint.

Click here to see more photos of the Montana home by Olson Kundig.

Aaron Leitz

Authors

Abby Montanez

Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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