13 Indian
Moonlight Basin Elevation
Positioned directly on the slopes of Big Sky's Moonlight Basin, this ski-in, ski-out cabin offers unparalleled alpine access. However, relentless exposure to deep winter snowpacks and severe freeze-thaw cycles had severely compromised the structure’s exterior. Upon evaluation, we discovered advanced rot aggressively degrading the perimeter logs, the primary decking, and the heavy timber railing system.
Our restoration strategy focused on structural rescue and long-term weather resilience. Through careful assessment, we were able to salvage the original sub-frame joists. To protect this core infrastructure, we applied waterproof taping across all joist tops, creating a critical barrier against future moisture intrusion. The surface was then entirely upgraded with premium, high-durability 2x6 Trex decking, designed to withstand the harsh alpine environment without warping or splintering.
To maintain the cabin's iconic mountain aesthetic while solving the moisture issue, we custom-fabricated a complete new heavy timber railing system. We engineered the new railings with integrated weep holes for rapid water shedding and capped the vertical posts with custom copper flashing. This combination of traditional styling and modern moisture management ensures the new deck will stand unyielding against the Big Sky winters for decades to come.
During the assessment of the cabin’s original deck, a critical failure point was identified at the primary entryway. Because of the roofline’s geometry and the structural layout, heavy snowmelt and runoff were heavily concentrated into this specific inside corner. This continuous, localized pooling significantly accelerated the decay of the original wood decking, creating a severe rot issue right at the threshold.
To permanently resolve this hydrological challenge without altering the roofline, we engineered a custom, inset steel drainage grate directly into the new deck surface at the point of heaviest flow. Framed seamlessly with the new composite decking, this heavy-duty industrial grate acts as a high-capacity catchment system. It rapidly redirects concentrated snowmelt and runoff safely below the deck structure, entirely eliminating standing water and ice at the entryway and protecting the surrounding new materials from future rot.
The final phase of this rustic cabin's rehabilitation required a complete structural overhaul of its primary log support beams. To ensure the highest level of precision and quality control, full-length structural logs were sourced and meticulously custom-notched at our Four Corners fabrication facility before being transported to the remote site.
A critical point of failure in the original structure was the direct contact between the vertical timber and the foundation, which had led to severe rot. To permanently resolve this, we custom-engineered a specialized structural standoff bracket. This heavy-duty hardware completely separates the vulnerable end-grain of the logs from the concrete, eliminating the capillary action that naturally draws ground moisture up into the wood. Furthermore, these custom brackets feature an integrated adjustment mechanism, allowing the structural height of the deck to be perfectly dialed in—or adjusted in the future—without the need for specialized lifting equipment.
During the on-site execution, the expansive deck structure was carefully shored to allow for the safe demolition of the deteriorating logs and failing concrete piers. The newly poured piers, custom brackets, and precision-cut logs were then seamlessly integrated. The result is a robust, rot-resistant structural frame that preserves the cabin's historic, heavy-timber aesthetic while utilizing modern engineering to ensure generational longevity.
