FlatHead Lake Lookout

Location: Flathead Lake, Montana
Partners: Workaday Design (Architect), Accent Construction (Builder)
Glacier Millwork Products: 1×6 Cedar Shiplap in Pole Barn finish, TimberForge™ Line; finished natural fir soffits and ceilings; finished 2×12 structural lumber

Project Overview

Perched among the evergreens of Flathead Lake, this modern mountain retreat balances striking architecture with the warmth of natural materials. Designed by Workaday Design and built by Accent Construction, the home reflects Montana’s natural character through thoughtful detailing and locally sourced craftsmanship.

When Zach George, Partner at Workaday Design, began material selection, his goal was to find a finish that blended the home into its wooded surroundings while still feeling modern and refined.

“We try to use natural materials where we can and local vendors where we can,” Zach shared. “Being able to work with Glacier Millworks, who are right here in Kalispell, was really great.”

Challenge

The homeowners wanted a home that blended naturally with the surrounding forest and lake views. The exterior needed to feel organic and tactile while standing up to Montana’s extreme weather conditions.

The project also required versatility across applications, with materials used not only for siding but also soffits, ceilings, and exposed roof elements. Achieving visual consistency and long-term performance was essential.

Solution

Glacier Millworks partnered with the Workaday Design team to deliver a finish that met both the design vision and technical requirements.

• Material selection & consistency: The team selected 1×6 Cedar Shiplap from Glacier’s TimberForge™ Line in the Pole Barn finish, a burned and brushed surface that added texture and depth while maintaining a refined, modern profile.
• Collaborative sampling: To achieve the exact tone and sheen desired, Glacier produced multiple rounds of samples with rapid turnaround times, enabling confident decisions and seamless coordination between designer and homeowner.
• Custom finishing & expanded scope: Beyond the exterior siding, Glacier finished natural fir for soffits and ceilings and 2×12 structural lumber for the exposed roof framing, ensuring every visible surface reflected the same craftsmanship, tone and finish quality.
• Material performance: The natural durability and dimensional stability of cedar made it an ideal choice for Montana’s wide temperature swings and high UV exposure, delivering long-term weather resistance with minimal maintenance.
• Local partnership & value: Being based in Kalispell gave Glacier a distinct advantage, offering both proximity and trust. Their fair pricing, quick turnaround on samples, and ability to provide hands-on collaboration made them an easy choice for Workaday Design and Accent Construction.

“They were always willing to provide multiple rounds of samples, often within a week,” Zach said. “That flexibility and collaboration made the process smooth and easy. They were even willing to finish our structural material, which isn’t necessarily part of their standard product offering — that was awesome and showed how easy they are to work with.”

Results

The completed Flathead Lake Lookout is a reflection of what happens when design, craftsmanship, and collaboration come together. The cedar siding captures Montana’s shifting light throughout the day, while the cohesive use of wood across the structure creates warmth and continuity.

The materials have performed exceptionally well, meeting both budget and durability expectations.
“It turned out exactly how we wanted,” said Zach. “It met our budget goals, has held up well, and the clients love it.”