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The Quintessential Montana Cabin

July 10, 2018

The original 1 room log cabin was, in its distilled form, a place to sleep and to keep from freezing. Over the last 100 years it, like most homes, has transformed into something else altogether. With that, I wanted to reach back into time and resurrect an original; something representative of our western roots. Now with a career, family and distance, this is a challenge that’s required a few steps and some good help:

    • Begin with sunken logs, a rotted out wood floor and collapsed sod roof
    • Pull bldg. up in air with chains and backhoe
    • Dig out old base logs and install recycled railroad tie base
    • Add new floor joists and subfloor
    • Cut, shape and install new log roof purlins
    • Install new roof deck, roofing felt and metal roof
    • Build custom sized entry door from recycled redwood decking
    • Reframe openings and install new windows
    • Install rough sawn wood flooring and tile around new fireplace
    • Clean out between logs and install new wool backer rod/insulation and flexible chinking
    • Install new entry patio
    • Install wood stove and furnish
    • Build new deck
    • Re-grade site and build “driveway”
    • Install fire pit using recycled steam-powered tractor wheel
    • Install pavers and covered veranda
    • Trim out around windows, door and flooring
    • Maybe add electricity and insulate roof
    • Enjoy/maintain for another 50 years

Today we’re very close to the original cabin. When you stay here it smells of animals, you’re limited in activities by the weather and the amount of daylight. It’s never truly warm, but you don’t freeze, mundane tasks such as cooking, cleaning and sleeping all bring unique challenges. But, in the end, there is something satisfying about building with friends and using your hands. It is quiet and peaceful. It reminds me how far we’ve come and what it was really like 100 years ago when these logs were first cut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Jason EgelineAIA, LEED GA – Vice President
Jason draws on his experiences living and working throughout the West, and brings that diversity to his designs. He is a member of the Architectural Society and active in the Kiwanis Club. He is a long-time volunteer for Merit Badge University, which provides an opportunity to teach students about trends in architecture. Be it working on an innovative school project or racing a 24 hour endurance race, Jason is always looking for something unique that brings the most out of him and the opportunities he encounters.
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(406) 443-2340

650 Power St.
Helena, MT 59601
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