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A Bridger Creek Masterpiece
July 28, 2010
By Kim Thielman-Ibes
The fine details of this 7,400-square foot, hand-hewn, timber frame home are evident before you step through the front door. A waterfall flows gently beside the stacked stone steps, creating a Zen-like setting as you wind your way onto the front porch. Here, Pro Builders' owner Ivan Albrecht showcases the first of his many impressive hand-crafted wood inlays - this one featuring walnut, maple, mahogany and exotic woods. (He has access to over 170 species of exotic woods from a sawmill in the Amazon.) The front door was crafted in a rough fir on the outside to match the exterior siding, and in rustic maple on the inside to match the foyer trim.
Once inside the home, an inlaid mosaic of flagstone surrounded by slate leads you into the great room. The exposed post and beam framework, with some beams in excess of 65 inches in diameter, were hand cut and joined by one-inch oak pegs. This is a true timberframe home, and no metal was used in the timberframe joinery.
This same fine workmanship is evident throughout the home. The circle-sawn wood floors create a warming influence and they compliment the stone fireplace that tapers as it soars to the tongue and groove ceiling above. A custom built curved bar features band-sawed mesquite cabinets accented by fine wood inlays.
The details on this home are impressive, from the Venetian plaster finishes in the master bedroom, the flagstone waterfall and walnut pillars in the master bath, to the stunning blue-pine guest rooms in the lower level and the pickle-barrel dance floor in the Western-inspired media room. (The flooring here was reclaimed from a Heinz factory.)
The home features a glass and metal pneumatic elevator that runs from the loft to the basement level. The Albrechts - husband and wife Ivan and Judy, with son, Nathan - have left no stone unturned in designing this Montana masterpiece.
About Pro Builders:
Pro Builders is a 21-year-old family business run by Ivan and Judy Albrecht and their son, Nathan Albrecht, in Bozeman, Montana.
On the Web: www.bozemanprobuilders.com
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