This new house is perched high above Little Carnelian Lake on a point of land with natural forms of rugged hills and bluffs, rock outcroppings, white pines and birch trees. The site is landscaped just around the house, with the majority of the property left natural, including the shoreline.
The design reflects the traditions of shingle style houses on the prairie, with gable forms, large overhangs and horizontal form. Local stone is used to define the base of the house, as walls defining exterior spaces, and composing the family room fireplace. Courtyards, the open entry porch, side screened porch and terraces, create transition spaces between the interior and exterior. The house is organized with multiple exterior sides to each room, in order to capture breezes and gather light and views from different directions. Columns, beams and wrapped openings are used to define the rooms in an otherwise open and flowing layout. The design, scale and shape of paneling, millwork and cabinetry reflect shingle and classical styles, adding detail and character to the spaces.