Tree House sits atop a sloping wooded site nestled into the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. To minimize the impact on the environment, much of which is federally protected dune, we designed a vertical home with a minimal footprint. The result is a tranquil vacation retreat that soars among the trees and offers views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Primary living spaces are located on the top level, above the bedrooms and work spaces. This design accentuates the feeling of living in a tree house. Each level has windows with unique perspectives on the landscape, and rooms are oriented toward ideal sunlight conditions: the primary suite takes advantage of morning sun while the kitchen is focused to the west, allowing colorful dusk skies to animate the space in the evening.
Large volumes appear to be chiseled from the facade, enhancing the sculptural quality of the structure. These voids create space for exterior balconies, offering a connection to nature and a comforting sense of human scale. The balconies are clad in cedar, which contrasts warmly with the white steel skin and amplifies the effect of these subtracted volumes. Balcony overhangs choreograph how natural light enters the interior space.
Sustainable elements include a high-performing thermal envelope, durable materials, LED lighting, radiant floor heating, and native plantings.