Lakeside Retreat

Can you describe your design process for the building?

The client approached us to design and build a family retreat on a steep hillside along a beautiful lakefront to accommodate many guests staying lengthy times. The property afforded 180 degree views of the lake, but with a very steep 300’ elevation change. There was no flat land to build on. It was a sensitive site with the Lake Commission very concerned about the visual impact of large buildings on the lake.

From the beginning our instinct was to blur the line of the ground plane to integrate the experience of the building with the unique topography of the sloping site. Creating a series of smaller buildings instead of one large structure would also allow a play between landform and building, inside and outside.

The building takes an anti-heroic stance and constructs a sequential living experience oriented to the beauty of the lake and the wooded landscape. The building is less ‘object’ and more the result of the spatial experience of moving through the sculptural landforms weaving in and out, up, down and through the topography of the hillside. Upon arrival to the house from the drive, the long view to the lake disguises the presence of generous residential spaces for living and recreation below.

Burying the bulk of the building reduces its impact and generates a natural geothermal effect on energy consumption. The new occupiable green roofs in fact create new ground, allowing for recreational spaces not originally there.

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

Our working approach is Architect Led Design Build. The process allows the design to continue to evolve through its construction on site. Throughout, there is constant feedback as critical costs are identified so that realistic choices can be made. Hands-on involvement with the construction process is parallel to the “dirty” hands associated with traditional craft, the result being a true modern craft that is not sentimental or nostalgic.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

This strategy has been explored in quite a few of our projects to balance the requisite bulk of clients’ program requirements with the beauty and other demands of the site and its surrounding neighbors.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

There has been a growing trend to blur the edges between land and form; to move away from the building as object, making it a more relevant set of experiences, transitions for adaptable and more complex use.

Email interview conducted by John Hill