shelterarchitecture.com

Greg Elsner, AIA; Beth Halstenson, AIA; Jackie Colpaert, Allied ASID; Jennifer Wojtysiak, Assoc. AIA; David Jensen, Assoc. AIA

Lakeside Retreat

Project Type: New Construction

Initially a getaway cabin, this family's idyllic lake property was transformed into their year-round home. After years of dreaming and visioning, the property owners were ready to replace their quaint rustic cabin with a permanent home for their family. The design needed to preserve the lovely views of the lake and minimize removing existing trees. The design seeks to embrace a modern aesthetic while evoking an appreciation of large timber construction. The home design also facilitates easy use for differing schedules of the homeowners, and to accommodate both entertaining and the life of a young, active family.

Spaces are oriented to connect to the lake through existing view corridors in the surrounding trees. The main volume contains the most public areas of the home creating a large gable form that runs from the main entrance to the expansive lake view. The design positioned program and window placement toward the existing view corridors while providing privacy from the neighboring house to the south. The huge lake side screen porch opens to the living area via a 12-foot-wide retracting doorway. essentially allowing the center of the home to function, in the summer months, as a gigantic breezeway.

The more private primary suite contains a bedroom, custom closet, secondary laundry space and bathroom complete with steam shower and soaking tub. The primary suite addresses the owners’ differing schedules with the creation of a light and sound lock that segregates a large changing room and the bathroom from the sleeping area. To manage the clutter of daily life there is a “back of house” concept at play with and outdoor and indoor mudroom at the garage and direct access from the garage to a large walk-thru working pantry. The home utilizes geothermal heating and cooling and SIP panel roof construction. 

Natural wood tones and handmade tile alongside thoughtful architectural details and elegant light fixtures create a retreat that connects seamlessly into the ever-changing canopy of trees just beyond the dwelling’s walls.

Sustainable Design Highlights

The project has a well-designed system for rainwater management. The reduction of runoff into the lake was a primary concern. With the design and size of the required rain gardens determined early in the process, the site was organized to accommodate that important consideration. The project also uses a geothermal well for the production of heating and cooling energy.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Integration

This project takes a strong, simple concept grounded in positioning views of the lake and site challenges to inform the layout and create an extremely functional, beautiful and delightful home that connects to the site and accommodates a busy young family.

 Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Well-Being

The connections to nature, user comfort elements, and the focus on the gathering of friends and family drove many of the design decisions in the home. Well-being is fostered by the use of natural light, the home’s focus on entertaining friends and family, as well as the warmth and coziness of the living room fireplace.

What is the AIA Framework for Design Excellence? Learn more »