PROJECT NAME:  Lake House

PROJECT TYPE: New Single Family Residence

PROJECT CONTEXT:  The home sits on a tranquil site on a small New England lake.  As you enter the lot, the view to the lake is blocked as the land rises up 15ft, crests, and falls steeply back to the lakefront.  Two existing lots were combined into one to allow room for a new home set parallel to the lake maximizing interior views and allowing room for a new septic system.

PROJECT LOCATION: New England

PROJECT COMPLETION:  Fall 2007

PROJECT PROGRAM:  The client wished to create the relaxed feel of a lakefront vacation home with the comfort and practicality of a year round home. 

DESIGN SOLUTION:  Due to the steep rise in the grades, it was difficult to visualize a solution which would afford the wonderful views to the lake while providing comfortable access to the home from both the approach side and lake side.  To solve this we decided to sink the home into the crest, of the hill providing a walk out condition on both sides, using the ends of the house to retain the existing earth.  We further split the levels of the house to better address the access points of the house with the adjacent grades.  The main living level containing the living room, dining, kitchen and screened porch became a ½ level above the entry drive and garage.  We raised the ceiling in this area to increase the views and light from the lake. Large windows with transoms in these areas allow expansive views to the lake.  The master suite is a ½ level above this along with a guest room over the garage.  The garage level has a mudroom entry, laundry and a writing studio with views to the lake.   Below the main living areas is a space for the kid’s with 2 bunkrooms, a shared bath, and a media room.   The lowest level is for boat storage with a walk out to a terrace which has convenient access to the lake.  Settling the home into the earth brings the home closer to the scale of the surrounding cottages while allowing for light and views into all of the major spaces. 

MATERIALS:  The clients wished to minimize maintenance on the exterior of their home, while fitting into the context of lakefront cabins.  We chose to use natural red cedar shingles and clapboards with varied coursing and local flagging for the terracing and walls.  We used black clad aluminum windows as a strong neutral against the dark green trim color.  Natural Douglas fir soffits and ceilings add warmth against the natural stone flagging.  Inside the clients wanted a bright and airy feel.  We used white painted trim and extensive paneling set against colorful hues on the walls. Painted beams and bead board ceilings, with crisp trim give the whole a sophisticated cottage feel.  Wide plank floors with an antiqued finish, painted harlequin floors and cork create a warmth and casual tone for this year round retreat.