An esteemed Chicago graphic designer's dream fishing retreat on a secluded Northern Wisconsin lake is realized with a 999-sf modernist structure that harmonizes with the lake and forest surroundings.
Located on a flat clearing within a 2.6 acre heavily wooded site, the single-story modernist structure is carefully positioned to maximize views and its connection with nature. Two three-foot-wide stone walls bookend the concise, rectilinear form. The stone walls create captivating backdrops, visually contrasting the solidity and weight of the stone with the delicate transparency of the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that span between them. Overhead, a shallow butterfly-shaped roof gently slopes upward to accentuate the stone walls, transitioning from the interior to the exterior and capturing views. The roof extends beyond the glass walls, creating a covered porch on two sides.
Inside, spaces are functional yet universal. Wood and stainless-steel accents complement the minimalist palette of black metal structure and frame windows, concrete floor, and gray stone walls. The horizontally dry-stacked stones add dimension to the large communal space, dedicated for cooking, living, and dining, and serve as an accent wall in the two private bedrooms. A central core volume conceals a mechanical room, two bathrooms, and storage.
Surrounded by a forest adorned with maple, aspen, red oak, and pine trees, the cottage relies heavily on natural lighting, cooling, and ventilation. Hydronic radiant tubing in the concrete slab and masonry walls, along with an integrated wood-burning fireplace, provide heating. Operable windows and tree shade naturally cool and ventilate the rooms during warmer months. Light filters into the home through the expansive glass walls, creating a year-round dappled sunbath, minimizing artificial lighting needs.
Amidst the ever-shifting interplay of light, colors, and landscape, Clearwater Lake Retreat is a restorative place to escape city life that establishes a profound connection with nature.
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