Have Questions?

We're always happy to show you around our shop or talk with you on the phone to answer questions about green and healthy building materials.

Give us a call:
(406) 585-9958

Send us a message, and we'll do our best to respond within a day or two.

Email Sign-up

We promise not to spam you, sell your contact information, or otherwise abuse you via communication. We send monthly e-grams with Refuge and/or relevant community event information, product specials, and helpful contractor recommendations.

Join Our Mailing List

Store Hours:
M-F 8:30-5:30
Sat. 10-4

Home » About Us

About Us

Refuge Sustainable Building Center promotes sustainability in the built environment through sales of products which respect human health and the natural world. We are a locally-owned business founded on the idea that consumers should have the power to make better choices for themselves, their families, and their world. Our team members are personally committed to making sustainable lifestyle choices, and to helping our customers do the same. Visit our store in Bozeman, Montana or contact us for help with your sustainable building project.

In June 2010, Refuge changed hands and is now under the ownership of long-time Bozeman area businesswoman Alexa Calio. After graduating with a degree in Wildlife Biology in Virginia and working in Minnesota, Alexa moved to Montana to conduct research in Yellowstone park. During the 18 years that she lived in Gardiner, she built a log home from the ground up. After finishing the chinking portion of the project and "swearing never to touch the stuff again," she founded Roche Jaune, Inc., Chinking and Plaster Specialists. Many large and small, fine and rustic jobs later, Alexa moved her family and business to Bozeman. As the new owner of Refuge, Alexa has already brought several new products to the store, including Permachink log home products, RAIS Stoves, MRL (Montana Reclaimed Lumber) flooring and wood products, and YOLO Colorhouse VOC-free paints. In addition, Refuge now offers free delivery service; contact us for details. Also ask about our free in-house design services, as well as plaster application, chinking installation services, and tool rental for DIYers looking to plaster and chink on their own.

About Roche Jaune, Inc., Chinking and Plaster Specialists

Roche Jaune provides complete log home services for new construction, as well as renovation and restoration of existing homes both large and small. In addition, Roche Jaune's plaster division offers artisan quality application of American Clay Natural Earth Plaster products for traditional and contemporary homes alike. Owner Alexa Calio, who started the business 12 years ago, is involved in daily job-site operations and takes pride in the caliber of her crew, the company's attention to detail and environmental commitment. Our goal is to properly seal and maintain your home to conserve resources. We use only products with no or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).