Lake Minnetonka Island Cottage

Explore this island retreat exclusively on our virtual tour, September 19–October 4. Full-access or virtual-only ticket required. Tickets will go on sale in early August.

Project Type: New Build

Sponsors: Oxbow Hardwoods (flooring)

This home balances the clients’ desire for a modern, multi-generational family retreat with the historic character and modest scale of a unique roadless island community on Lake Minnetonka established in 1907. The clients envisioned a relaxed and durable retreat that could support multigenerational family gatherings while embracing the informal rhythms of lake life.

The architectural design resolved these goals through an “H” shaped plan that reduced the perceived scale of the home while connecting the living spaces to both the lake and an inland courtyard. The organization of spaces carefully considered how the family would arrive, gather, entertain, and store lake gear. Modest bedrooms prioritize time spent together in shared living spaces, while built in sleeping areas provide additional flexibility for guests. The design also integrates practical needs such as mudrooms, outdoor shower access, lake gear storage, and a storm shelter while creating warm and memorable spaces rooted in craftsmanship, proportion, and connection to place.

The architectural design utilized thoughtful planning, durable materials, and efficient spatial organization to create a resilient retreat suited to the demands of island living. Because the island is only accessible by water, construction required extensive coordination, advanced material staging, and creative problem solving between the architect, builder, and owners. 

Material selections focused on longevity, low-maintenance performance, and resilience appropriate for heavy seasonal use and harsh lake conditions. Durable exterior materials such as Hardie siding, IPE decking, masonry elements, and nickel gap tongue-and-groove paneling were selected for their performance and enduring character. Natural materials including American pine flooring, hard rock maple butcher block, Carrara marble, brass accents, and European tile reinforce a sense of craftsmanship and material honesty throughout the home.

AIA Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Integration

This project demonstrates Design for Integration through its careful response to site, history, functionality, and construction constraints. Every aspect of the design was shaped by the unique conditions of the roadless island site, where access is limited to water transportation and the surrounding community is defined by modest historic cottages dating back to the early 1900s.

Rather than imposing a large contemporary structure onto the island, the design responds to its context through restrained massing, low rooflines, and an “H” shaped plan that breaks the home into smaller scaled forms reflective of neighboring cottages. The organization of the home thoughtfully supports the rhythms of lake life, from arrival at the dock to the screened porch, mudrooms, outdoor shower access, and generous lake gear storage below grade. Shared gathering spaces were prioritized over oversized private rooms, reinforcing the clients’ desire for a family centered retreat rooted in togetherness and shared experiences.

The project also required deep collaboration between architect, client, and builder due to the logistical complexity of constructing on a roadless island with limited seasonal access. Material selections, construction sequencing, and delivery coordination were integrated into the design process from the beginning. The result is a home that feels deeply connected to its site and purpose while balancing practicality, durability, craftsmanship, and timeless cottage character.

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