Design Done Differently with Bighorn Construction
January 2025
article by Maria Weidich | Photos by Nathan Satran
Over his 25 years in the trade, Heath Olson of Bighorn Construction and Drywall has witnessed plenty of redundancy in the home building industry. “A lot of houses have gotten more similar over the years,” he said, “and I just like things that are different.”
“I’m a sub [contractor] by trade, and that’s where a lot of my uniqueness comes from,” Heath shared. With decades of commercial and residential experience in some of the region’s most affluent communities, Heath has firsthand experience in state-of-the-art innovation and creativity in the field. “I’ve been on a lot of different jobs and seen a lot of different styles, and I like to bring them into my own builds, too.”
Heath and his team recently had an opportunity to display their skill and style in last year’s Parade of Homes. “Of course, we’ll always build whatever our client wants,” he assured, “but I always try to have a wow factor with all my houses.”
Cutting Edge Curb Appeal
Located in Gresham Estates on the Billings West end, there is a remarkable depth and dimension to the home’s exterior. The flat-hipped roof and numerous angular peaks add visual interest and charm at every viewpoint. The black corrugated steel siding and natural wood accents have become a Bighorn Construction signature. “I’m an industrial guy,” Heath admits. “I just like the steel look, and any place I can put it, I will,” he laughed. Even the slatted roof pergola embellishing the front patio is crafted out of steel.
The Pros of Polished Concrete
Polished concrete’s popularity and reception might depend on who you ask, but there’s no debating that concrete flooring is an indestructible option that Heath loves. “You’re not gonna scratch it, and you’re not gonna break it,” he laughed. Using modern techniques to dye and finish the concrete, the result makes a bold and beautiful statement throughout the home. Besides the in-ground radiant heat, the floor’s high thermal mass allows it to maintain comfortable temperatures, regardless of season.
A Wall with a Wow-Factor
As an alternative to hanging artwork on walls, Heath aims to make the walls the focal point, such as the large limestone accent wall showcased in the kitchen. The rough-edge, neutral-colored wall adds a rustic and warm texture against the crisp, clean lines throughout the home. The kitchen’s built-in floating shelves add even more artistic allure.
The D406 Design Series 3-panel sliding patio door from 406 Window Co. is a fantastic way to maximize your view. The 3-panel slider lets in an abundance of light and allows for larger views with unlimited options, this unit can be made with more panels, depending on your wall size.
A Primary Suite Turned Retreat
Everything about the grand suite is spacious and stylish, adding even more sparkle to the home. The oversized double vanity and massive walk-in closet allow plenty of room to prepare for the day. The roomy shower promises to delight with its striking crushed-glass inlay and rainfall shower head. Adding plenty of natural light to the bedroom, the two sliders provide easy access outside to the back patio.
The windows throughout the home, sourced from 406 Windows, allow light to flood each room.
A Living Room to Lounge
The entire home, especially the living room, feels much bigger than its footprint, thanks to the above-standard 10-foot ceilings. “It just feels more spacious and doesn’t feel like you’re in a dungeon,” Heath joked. The floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace surround tucked in the corner is completely custom and created using Montana-sourced wood. The panel of elongated windows flood the room with natural light, perfect for curling up with a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
All Good Things Come in Threes
Adding a 1,300-square-foot, fully heated, three-car garage to the home was a no-brainer for Heath and his team. “I just feel like people are spending a lot of money on toys, boats, side-by-sides, even large lawn equipment,” he said. “Trucks and cars are bigger, and these small garages are not very appealing. In today’s generation, people are out there having fun, and there’s just no room for a small garage.”
Family Affair
In addition to his team of subcontractors, Heath’s two sons, ages 27 and 21, play an integral role on the Bighorn Construction team. “Both my boys started working for the business when they were about 14, so they’ve seen it all. When questions come up, I let both of them make a lot of the decisions and see what kind of ideas they come up with.”
With roots as a sub-contractor, Heath is humble enough to take credit for his work as the lead builder. Even though he is a hands-on supervisor at the job site, he is quick to say a project is only as successful as the team behind it. “While I’m bouncing back and forth, it requires a good team to keep things going. It’s my subs and the team that really get the job done.”
Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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