The Lake House

The design concept behind this private residence began with an idea to weave family life into the site’s existing natural elements – a large 9-acre lake that unifies surrounding neighbors and a smaller pond in the center of the site. The desire to cultivate a harmonious ecosystem led to a decision to place the home as closely to the existing pond as possible which ultimately informed the program organization. The family’s private sleeping quarters are organized around the pond so that the connection to nature is prevalent at the beginning and end of each day. The guest quarters comprise the other private elements of the program which is united to the family quarters through a family room and home theater. The public spaces of the home encompass the indoor and outdoor kitchen, dining area and living room. The living room serves as a figurative and literal spine of the house, connecting all the quadrants and programmatic elements through a columnless rectilinear form. It echoes the design intent through a fifty-foot sliding glass door that open up to a manmade lagoon and swimming pool. The living room also hosts an interior garden centered on the front door to serve as a reminder to the expansive green roof above. Greenery can be found throughout the interior of the house to serve as a constant reminder to the family’s relationship to the site and environment. To foster a nourishing rapport with nature, the residence utilizes cross laminated timber panels as a sustainable alternative to concrete. These solid wood panels have minimal impact on the site and aid in a healthy indoor and outdoor environment. To further reduce the environmental impact, the home utilizes Tesla glass shingles to serve as the primary energy source. The end result is a sanctuary for both family and nature.